Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has voiced concerns over the current team’s player management following the senior players’ struggles during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India faced a 1-3 series defeat to Australia, their first in a decade, with star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma underperforming throughout the series.
Kohli, despite beginning the series with a sublime unbeaten century in Perth, managed a mere 90 runs across his subsequent eight innings. His persistent vulnerability outside the off stump was repeatedly exposed by Australian pacers Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. Yograj criticized the lack of intervention from the team management, suggesting they failed to provide Kohli with timely advice on avoiding the risky cover drive that led to his dismissals.
“Someone should have told him, ‘Virat, don’t play this shot on these pitches.’ Australian tracks demand adjustments because of the extra bounce and carry,” Yograj Singh said in an interview with IANS, emphasizing the importance of technical guidance for players, even seasoned ones like Kohli.
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Yograj drew attention to the distinction between conventional coaching and effective man-management, particularly for elite players. “At this level, players don’t need basic coaching. They need someone who understands their mindset and manages them effectively,” he stated. He added that even the best cricketers face technical challenges and mental hurdles, and it’s the management’s responsibility to address these issues tactfully.
Chandigarh: Former Indian cricketer, Yograj Singh says, “A big question arises when it comes to coaching. When you’re playing for India, you shouldn’t need coaching if you’re a good player. You are representing India, and you only need management. Sometimes, a player’s mindset… pic.twitter.com/gfjSf3BFoV
— IANS (@ians_india) January 5, 2025
He stressed the critical role of morale-boosting during tough phases. “Every player hits a rough patch. Management should reassure them with encouragement like, ‘You’re a great player. This phase will pass.’ At the same time, targeted technical advice is key to helping them bounce back,” Yograj Singh explained.
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Commenting on Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach, Yograj Singh acknowledged Gambhir’s cricketing acumen but underscored the need for balanced criticism and empathy, particularly for emerging players. “Management must offer constructive feedback while nurturing confidence, telling players like Rohit or Kohli that such struggles are part of the game,” he advised.
Yograj concluded by emphasizing the importance of empathetic and proactive management. “When players are down, the management should act like a magic wand, helping them regain their form. Striking the right balance between technical input and emotional support is crucial for India to excel at the highest level,” he added.
