'Not Coach, It's Really About Indian Cricket': Sanjay Manjrekar's Latest Post Leaves Fans Confused

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has made a strong statement on the Indian coaches, stating it’s not about the coach but Indian cricket that won the four World Cups for the country. His remarks come when Gautam Gambhir assumed the duties of India head coach for the Sri Lanka tour after the end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure.

India recently won the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean with which Dravid ended his coaching stint with the Indian team. Previously, Team India came close to an ICC title on two occasions – the World Test Championship final and ODI World Cup final against Australia last year – but ended up on the losing side.

While the fans are excited to see Gambhir’s new role with Team India, Manjrekar’s post on X has left them confused.

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

The Gambhir-era begins

Gambhir’s first coaching assignment will begin in Sri Lanka later in the day as Suryakumar Yadav-led India will take on hosts in the first T20I of the three-match series in Pallekele.

Meanwhile, former coach Dravid shared an emotional message with Gambhir, welcoming him to the Indian cricket team in a new capacity.

In a video message posted by BCCI on ‘X’, Dravid welcomed Gambhir to what he described as “the most exciting job in the world.”

Dravid’s message was not just a farewell but also a source of guidance. He acknowledged the high expectations and intense scrutiny that come with the job, emphasizing the importance of support from players, staff, and fans.