Zaheer Khan highlights the difference in coaching styles between Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir
Former Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan We have placed emphasis on contrasting coaching approaches. Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gunvillesuggesting that the latter “flexible” strategy could create “anxiety” within Team India.
Zaheer’s comments come in the midst of discussions on India’s whiteball strategy, particularly regarding experiments with various batting combinations in recent matches with England.
Gambil’s Flexible Approach: Double-edged Sword
Zaheer emphasized the importance of clear communication and alignment between coaches, captains, selectors and players in Gambhir’s approach to success1. He pointed out that flexibility is valuable, but it should be implemented with established guidelines and protocols to avoid unstable players.
“You said you need to be flexible. There are number one and two there, but the others are flexible. Within that flexibility, there are a few rules Applies. There are specific protocols that must be followed. A certain communication needs to occur, and it is going to streamline things. Otherwise, you are creating anxiety. It goes back at one stage. It’ll come and hurt you. You don’t want it to be true, so you have to be prepared to deal with the situation.” Zahir was quoted as saying about Clickbuzz.
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The need for streamlined systems and communications
Zaheer pointed out that the current dynamic situation makes it difficult to directly compare Dravid and Gambhir’s approaches, and that the entire system needs to be streamlined.
“So, I said now that the latest bias is very strong. If you need to compare Rahul Dravid’s approach with Gautam Gambhir’s approach, the situation has become dynamic. You’ll see that You can say good, bad or ugly, or you can say how we adapt. Each individual, whether it’s a senior management, think tank, or a player , whether it’s a selector, it’s part of this system. They need to measure it and streamline the entire system to properly turn the entire system. Zahir added.
The cricketer-turned-minded mentor previously supported Dravid’s extension as head coach during his tenure. In particular, they emphasized the need for continuity and stability within the team at major upcoming tournaments, such as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Maintaining continuity through cricket, coaching is essential to a robust system. During Dravid’s tenure, India reached the final of the 2023 World Test Championship, winning the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 and the T20 World Cup 2024.