Harbhajan Singh Advocates Split-Coaching System to Complement India’s Split Captaincy
Harbhajan Singh backs separate coaches for Tests and limited-overs formats to reduce workload and improve planning
With India embracing a split-captaincy model post the 2024 T20 World Cup Suryakumar Yadav leading in T20Is, Rohit Sharma in ODIs, and Shubman Gill in Tests former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has suggested taking the idea further by introducing a split-coaching system.
Currently, Gautam Gambhir serves as head coach across all formats. Harbhajan believes that appointing separate coaches for red-ball and white-ball formats would ease the workload, bring strategic clarity, and improve long-term planning.
Harbhajan, who is in the UK for the World Championship of Legends 2025 where he’s representing India Champions under Yuvraj Singh’s leadership, spoke to India Today about the increasing demands on modern coaches.
“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 workload for everyone, including the coaches,” he said.
He elaborated on the growing need for in-depth preparation, particularly for long series like five-match Test tours against top-tier teams.
“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,” Harbhajan explained.
Emphasizing the human side of coaching, he added that continuous travel and tight schedules take a toll on personal life too.
“If you overwork one coach for the whole year, he, too has a family and responsibilities. Traveling constantly with family isn’t easy. So yes, if you ask me, splitting red-ball and white-ball coaching is a good move.”
