Virender Sehwag talks about India head coach role

Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer, recently succeeded Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian national team. Gambhir, renowned for his pivotal role in India’s World Cup victories, began his tenure with mixed results. His coaching debut saw India deliver a strong performance in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, where they achieved a comprehensive whitewash. However, the ODI series presented a different story, as India faced challenges and ended up losing 0-2 in the series. In a recent discussion, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag shared his perspective on the head coach role. Sehwag suggested that the position of head coach might not be as demanding as it appears from the outside. He emphasized that while the role involves significant responsibilities, the players themselves carry a considerable burden during matches.

According to Sehwag, the pressure and expectations placed on players during high-stakes games are immense and often overshadow the responsibilities of the coaching staff. He implied that the players' performance and their ability to handle the pressure on the field are crucial, and this dynamic often leads to the players bearing the brunt of criticism or praise. Sehwag's insights highlight the complex nature of cricket coaching and the varying levels of pressure experienced by players and coaches alike.

"I don't think it's a challenging role because there are other professionals involved too. The team recently won the T20 World Cup and the players know their roles. With Gambhir coming in, players will have clarity. That will be an added advantage. The challenges will be less for Gambhir and more for players, since now they would feel that after the T20 World Cup, they have to win the Champions Trophy, or the WTC final or the World Cup. But of course, Gambhir is around to help them all," stated former Indian captain Virender Sehwag in an interview with Amar Ujala.

Former cricketer-turned-commentator Virender Sehwag recently discussed his stance on coaching roles, revealing why he would not consider accepting a position with the Indian national team. Sehwag expressed that while he appreciates the challenges and responsibilities associated with coaching, he prefers to stay away from national coaching roles. Instead, he indicated his openness to taking up a coaching or mentoring role in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has previously enjoyed considerable success.

Sehwag's connection with the IPL is notable, as he served as a mentor for the Kings XI Punjab, now known as Punjab Kings, from 2016 to 2018. His association with the franchise extended beyond mentoring, as he also represented them as a player in 2014 and 2015. This dual role allowed Sehwag to contribute both as a player and a mentor, leveraging his experience and insights to benefit the team.

Throughout his career, Sehwag formed a formidable partnership with Gautam Gambhir. In their 153 innings together for India across all formats, Sehwag and Gambhir amassed an impressive total of 7,199 runs. Their prolific partnership was instrumental in many of India’s successes during their playing days, underscoring the depth of their cricketing synergy. Sehwag's reflections on coaching roles and his past experiences highlight his enduring passion for the game and his preference for contributing in a dynamic and less formal capacity.

"Not with the Indian cricket team, but if the IPL presents me with a coaching opportunity, I can surely have a look at it. If I become India head coach, then I'll have to return to the same routine which I went through for 15 years. Playing for the Indian team requires you to stay on the road 8-9 months a year. If I become the India head coach, staying away from my kids would be my biggest challenge. I will not be able to give time to my children. But yes, if there is a coach or mentor role available in the IPL, I can take it up," concluded Sehwag.