Suryakumar Yadav leads in T20Is, while Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill lead in ODIs and Tests, respectively. Previously, India was not a fan of split-captaincy in international cricket, but they have since abandoned that practice. Until the T20 World Cup in 2024, Rohit led India in all three formats.
Harbhajan Singh has now advised that India implement split-coaching. Gautam Gambhir, the great off-spinner’s former India colleague, is now the Indian team’s head coach. Harbhajan feels that different players play various formats, and that having separate coaches for red-ball and white-ball formats will considerably reduce workload, allowing for greater planning.
“If it can be implemented, I don’t see anything wrong with it. You have various teams and players for each format. If we can accomplish it, it’s an excellent choice. It will lessen everyone’s workload, including coaches.
So, if that can happen, it’s not a horrible idea,” Harbhajan told India Today.
“Because your coach needs time to prepare for the series. For example, five Tests against Australia, followed by England and other countries. So the coach may plan and outline what his team should be. The same is true for a white-ball coach. “He will also need time to prepare,” Harbhajan stated.
The former India cricketer also stated that having different coaches for each format will let them to spend more time with their families.
“If you overwork one coach for the entire year, remember that he has a family and obligations as well. It’s not simple to travel frequently with your family. So, if you ask me, separating red-ball and white-ball teaching is a brilliant idea,” Harbhajan added.
Harbhajan is now in the UK, where he will compete in the second World Championship of Legends 2025. The Indian Champions will defend their championship, with Harbhajan’s buddy and former India teammate Yuvraj Singh at the helm.
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