‘Bring someone who understands demands of the game’ – Harbhajan Singh backs split coaching for T20 format

While there has been much talk surrounding the Indian team adopting the idea of split captaincy and spilt coaching, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has opined that the management should consider a separate coach for the T20I format.

Following a screeching halt in the Asia Cup 2022, and the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, there has been a lot of talk regarding personnel changes. During a session with The Indian Express, Harbhajan backed the idea of appointing a separate coach for the shortest format and also suggested two names who could take up the role.

"Yes, you have two captains, so you can have two coaches. Why not? Someone whose planning is different. Like England has done with Brendon McCullum. Someone like Virender Sehwag or Ashish Nehra who worked with Gujarat Titans and Hardik Pandya won his first tournament (IPL) as captain. So, bring someone who understands the concept of T20 and demands of the game,” suggested Harbhajan.

If you are playing T20s then you can’t play it like a one-day match: Harbhajan Singh

The 42-year-old added that with the adoption of split coaching, the coaches can focus on their aspect of the format and help the team attain greater heights. He further suggested the side to play with more intent considering the 2023 ODI World Cup is around the corner.

"The coach knows that focus is on T20 cricket. Say if Ashish Nehra is the T20 coach, then he knows that his job is to make the Indian team champions in the T20 format, and Rahul Dravid knows he has to work on how the Indian team can be No.1 in Tests and ODIs,” he added.

“I think we need to show a little more intent. If you are playing T20s then you can’t play it like a one-day match. When you have a World Cup in front of you, you need eight to nine guys performing at the same time. One or two players can win you matches, but it is the team which can win you the tournament," the Turbanator concluded.