New Delhi: Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has expressed his openness to taking up a coaching role in the Indian Premier League (IPL), while firmly ruling out any ambitions of coaching the Indian men’s cricket team. Sehwag, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2015, served as a mentor for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) until 2018, marking his closest stint to an IPL coaching position.
With speculations that two of Sehwag’s former teammates, Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid, might be returning to IPL in coaching roles for Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals respectively, Sehwag has signaled his readiness to consider an offer from any of the IPL franchises. The IPL’s two-month duration appeals to Sehwag, who is keen on balancing his professional commitments with his family life.
“In the IPL, you get to work for two months, which is manageable and allows for a good work-life balance,” Sehwag shared in an interview with Amar Ujala. “But with the Indian cricket team, you’re on the road for 8-9 months a year, which is something I’ve experienced for 15 years. My kids are 14 and 16, and both play cricket for Delhi. One is an opening batter, and the other is an off-spinner. They need me around, and if I were to become India’s head coach, it would be tough to give them the time they need.”
Sehwag’s perspective on the intense demands of coaching the national team echoes sentiments shared by former India coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid, both of whom stepped down due to the relentless travel and time commitments involved in the role.
Sehwag’s comments come on the heels of Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach of the Indian cricket team. Gambhir’s tenure began with a mixed record, leading India to a 3-0 win against Sri Lanka in T20Is, followed by a 0-2 loss in the ODIs. Gambhir, who has a contract running until the 2027 World Cup, faces several significant challenges ahead, including the Champions Trophy, the World Test Championship (WTC), and the T20 World Cup, all taking place in India, as well as a high-profile Test series in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Despite the tough road ahead for Gambhir, Sehwag believes the former opener’s job might be slightly less challenging due to the presence of a well-established team and a capable coaching staff. “Gambhir’s role won’t be as challenging as one might think. The players are experienced, and the team has recently won the T20 World Cup. With Gambhir in charge, players will have clarity, and his presence will be an advantage,” Sehwag noted. “The real challenge lies with the players who now have to live up to the expectations of winning multiple major tournaments.”
The Appeal of IPL Over National Duty
Sehwag’s inclination towards an IPL coaching role rather than the Indian team highlights a growing trend among former cricketers who prefer the relatively less demanding nature of franchise cricket over the national team’s exhaustive schedule. The IPL, with its short and intense season, allows former players to stay connected to the game without sacrificing their personal lives.
For Sehwag, the decision also seems influenced by his desire to be present for his children during their formative years. His pragmatic approach reflects the reality faced by many former athletes who must balance their post-retirement careers with family responsibilities.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, it will be interesting to see if Sehwag’s name emerges among the coaching staff of any of the ten franchises. His experience and cricketing acumen would undoubtedly be an asset to any team. For now, the former India opener remains open to exploring new opportunities in the IPL, provided they align with his life priorities.
Gambhir’s Coaching Journey: A Mixed Start
Gautam Gambhir’s journey as India’s head coach has begun with its share of ups and downs. His initial success in the T20 series against Sri Lanka was overshadowed by the subsequent ODI series loss. However, Gambhir’s real test lies ahead with multiple prestigious tournaments on the horizon. With the backing of a strong support team including former South African pacer Morne Morkel and Indian domestic cricket stalwart Abhishek Nayar, Gambhir has the tools at his disposal to lead India to further success.
Sehwag’s observations about Gambhir’s role underline the collective effort required in international cricket, where success is often the result of a collaborative team effort rather than the influence of a single individual.
As Sehwag contemplates a potential IPL coaching role, the cricketing world waits to see how his career will evolve in the coming years. His reluctance to take on the national team coaching role is a reminder of the sacrifices such a position demands, contrasting with the more manageable nature of IPL commitments. Whether or not Sehwag finds himself back in the IPL as a coach, his insights and candid reflections offer a valuable perspective on the life of a modern cricketing legend balancing professional opportunities with personal responsibilities.
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