“I don’t think it’s a challenging role because there are other professionals involved too” – Virender Sehwag on the Team India head coach post

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag feels India’s head coach role is not challenging as there are other professionals involved too. Sehwag’s former opening partner Gautam Gambhir has recently taken over the head coach baton from Rahul Dravid.

Gambhir will be assisted by assistant coaches like Ryan ten Doeschate, Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Abhishek Nayar, and T Dilip. 

Gambhir kicked off his coaching campaign on a high with a 3-0 T20I series win against Sri Lanka but the team lost the ODI series by 2-0.

“I don’t think it’s a challenging role because there are other professionals involved too. The team recently won the T20 World Cup; players know their roles. With Gambhir coming in, players will have clarity. So that will be an added advantage. The challenges will be less for Gambhir and more for players, since now they would feel that after the T20 World Cup, they have to win the Champions Trophy, or the WTC final or the World Cup. But of course, Gambhir is around to help them all,” Sehwag said in an interview with Amar Ujala.

Meanwhile, Sehwag was linked with India’s coaching role after Anil Kumble had resigned from the role back in 2017. The former swashbuckling batter added he might take up the coaching role in the IPL if the opportunity presents itself.

“Not with the Indian cricket team, but if the IPL presents me with a coaching opportunity, I can surely have a look at it. If I become India head coach, then I’ll have to return to the same routine which I went through for 15 years. Playing for the Indian team requires you to stay on the road 8-9 months a year,” Sehwag admitted.

“If I become the India head coach, staying away from my kids would be my biggest challenge. I will not be able to give time to my children. But yes, if there is a coach or mentor role available in the IPL, I can take it up,” he concluded.

In the past, Sehwag had served as Punjab Kings’ mentor.