‘It's really about Indian cricket, not who the coach is’ - Sanjay Manjrekar wants India to shift focus from Gautam Gambhir

Ever since Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of team India, there have been a lot of conversations regarding the position. The media was buzzing and interestingly, Sony Sports Network - the official broadcaster of the series between Sri Lanka and India is promoting the series with a hashtag named #MamlaGambhirHai, marking his debut series as head coach.

Meanwhile, cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has urged the onlookers to take it easy and reminded that it is all about the team and not about individuals. The 59-year-old pointed out that no coach in Indian cricket history was hyped as much and asked the fans to stop glorifying the coach.

“No coach, Lalchand Rajput, Gary Kirsten & Dravid. Coaches when India won WCs in 1983, 2007, 2011 & 2023 (sic. 2024). It's really about Indian cricket, not who the coach is. Time we stop thinking there is a direct correlation,” Manjrekar posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Notably, former India coach Rahul Dravid sent a special message to Gambhir ahead of his coaching debut in Pallekele on July 27. The 51-year-old congratulated him on his new role and resilience and your refusal to surrender will bring success to India.

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“Hello, Gautam and welcome to the most exciting job in our world as coach of the Indian cricket team. It's been three weeks since I ended my stint with the Indian team in a manner that was beyond my dreams, both in Barbados and then a few days later in that unforgettable evening in Mumbai. More than anything else, I will treasure the memories and friendships I made in my time with the squad. As you take over the role of India coach, it is what I wish for you as well,” Dravid was saying in a video released by BCCI.

“I also hope that you have the availability of fully fit players in every squad. Good luck with that. I also wish you that little bit of luck, as you know that all of us coaches need to make us look that little bit wiser and smarter than we actually are. As your teammate, I saw you giving it your all on the field. As your batting partner and fellow fielder I saw your resilience and your refusal to surrender,” he added.