India’s Test team is currently in a tough spot, trailing 1-2 against England ahead of the fourth Test starting on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
As the discussions around team performance and management continue, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has brought a fresh suggestion to the table - split coaching in the Indian team.
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In a recent conversation, Harbhajan said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should consider appointing different coaches for red-ball and white-ball formats.
Why does Harbhajan Singh support split coaching for Team India?
Harbhajan pointed out that international cricket has become more packed than ever and managing all formats with one head coach is a massive task.
“I feel if it can be implemented, there is nothing wrong in it. You have different teams and different players for formats. If we can do it, it’s a good option. It will reduce the workload for everyone, including the coaches. So if it can happen, it isn't a bad option,” he said.
Gautam Gambhir has had an impressive start in white-ball cricket as he won the Champions Trophy and boasts 13 T20I wins and 8 ODI wins.
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India’s Test results under Gambhir haven’t followed the same trend. The side was recently whitewashed by New Zealand, lost to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and now finds itself behind in the England series.
What benefits can split coaching bring to Indian cricket?
Harbhajan emphasised that a coach is not just travelling with the team; he also needs to study opponents, strategise, and build plans for different conditions.
Singh further claimed that each format requires proper planning and attention, which becomes difficult if one coach is handling everything.
“Because your coach also needs time to prepare for a series. Like five Tests against Australia, then in England, then elsewhere. So the coach can prepare and set out what his team should be. The same goes for a white-ball coach. He will need time to prepare as well,” he said.
“If you overwork one coach for the whole year, he, too has a family and responsibilities. Travelling constantly with family isn’t easy. So yes, if you ask me, splitting red-ball and white-ball coaching is a good move," said Harbhajan,” the former India spinner added.
As India prepares for the remainder of the Test series and future assignments, it remains to be seen if such a change will be seriously considered.