## Can shared coaching duties trigger India’s another red-ball revival? As India prepares for another demanding cricket cycle, discussions arise about whether shared coaching responsibilities could spark a resurgence in the country's red-ball dominance. The modern game’s compressed scheduling and format diversity have stretched coaching staffs and players alike, creating a strong case for specialized support systems. ### Balancing the formats India’s schedule across Tests, ODIs, and T20s often results in overlapping tours and fragmented player groups. In such a scenario, delegating coaching duties can help distribute workload and focus on specific team needs. A dedicated red-ball coach might foster deeper technical improvements in batting and bowling, while a white-ball specialist could handle the mental and tactical demands of the shorter formats. ### Lessons from other teams Teams like England and Australia have embraced split coaching models with varying degrees of success. England’s post-2020 Test setup under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes showed how distinct coaching philosophies can transform red-ball performance without disrupting limited-overs strategies. India could similarly benefit if the roles are clearly defined and communication between coaches remains seamless. ### The Indian context Given India’s deep talent pool and the contrasting challenges of home and away series, coordinated coaching approaches can ensure better player management. Collaboration among multiple coaches, analysts, and support staff could reduce burnout and maintain performance consistency across the cricket calendar. > “Shared responsibility doesn’t dilute accountability; it amplifies focus,” said a senior BCCI official, reflecting on the proposal’s intent. A collective, well-coordinated coaching strategy may not only ease operational strain but also refuel India’s passion and precision in red-ball cricket. *** **Author’s Summary:** Dividing India’s coaching roles could balance workload, enhance specialization, and potentially reignite the nation’s red-ball cricket success.

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The Hindu — 2025-11-30