Our system doesn't pick deputies who can threaten the captain's job, submissive players are selected: Gautam Gambhir

One of the finest batters to have played for India, Gautam Gambhir is no more an active cricketer. However, he continues to be in news for his bold and controversial statements. The cricketer-turned-politician is known to speak and his mind and on numerous occasions, his statements have become a talk of the town. In what can be called another significant claim, Gambhir stated that some of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises haven’t groomed their vice-captains properly.

Gambhir, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles, pointed out that the system picks vice-captains based on how submissive they are instead of merit. Apparently, it’s done so that the captain’s position remains safe. He also reckons that multiple IPL teams have missed the opportunity to groom their no.2s.

“I am all for a good leader and his legacy but for me, the No. 2 in the ranks is a more important debate. I am not sure we give enough importance or relevance to the vice-captaincy in our cricket,” he wrote in his column for the Times of India.

Some IPL teams have missed the opportunity to groom their no.2s: Gautam Gambhir

“Unfortunately in our systems, a vice-captain is picked on the basis of how submissive he is. If he is deemed to be threat to the captain’s position, he is not picked for the role. Some of the current teams in the IPL have missed the opportunity to groom their no.2s. To me that is a bigger hurdle than not winning an IPL trophy,” he added.

During his tenure in international cricket, Gautam Gambhir served as deputy to MS Dhoni for a significant time. He got to led India in six ODIs and the national team emerged victorious every single time. Emphasizing more on the vice-captain’s role, Gambhir recalled how Anil Kumble was self-less yet competitive as vice-captain.

“In my time I had seen Anil Kumble being an exemplary vice-captain for India. He was always selfless, a giver, and yet fiercely competitive. He was always ready to carry forward the team culture created by the leadership group of his time. It is a pity that vice-captain Kumble could not lead India for long,” asserted Gambhir.