NEW DELHI: Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir underlined the importance of the vice-captain in cricket teams.
In his column for the Times of India, Gambhir wrote, "All these years as a pro cricketer I have been dragged into or wilfully attended leadership debates. Initially it seemed fashionable to talk about it but these days it has become an obsession. It is common for various stakeholders to talk about leaders, leadership styles, leadership groups and a leader's legacy. I think there is a one big, fat "Leadership Industry" out there. Some of these speakers or bloggers make sense while some others are badly off the mark. I stumbled upon one such orator who was attempting to tell his male audience the near impossible - "How To Be A Leader In Marriage?" I was later unreliably informed that that dude was divorced."
Gambhir stated that the role of the vice-captain in a team is as important as that of the captain.
"I am all for a good leader and his legacy but for me the Number 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. In any good machinery, an organisation or a team there is a #2 who has dumped his ego and dreams in the garbage bin placed at the entrance of the office. From there on he is busy carrying #1's vision and firmly gazing at the bigger picture for the organisation. In my understanding #2 should be competent enough to advise #1 or take over reigns when the need arises," Gambhir added.
Gambhir rued the fact that the legendary Anil Kumble could not lead the Indian cricket team for long.
"Being trustworthy is another aspect that is vital for a #2. A captain should be able to trust him even with his OTPs. At the same time the captain should give him enough credit when it is due. Number 2 often does the dirty work while #1 is involved in creating a long term roadmap. 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. It is a pity that vice-captain Kumble could not lead India for long. Unfortunately in our systems a vice-captain is picked on the basis of how submissive he is. If he is deemed to be a threat to the captain's position, he is not picked for the role. A good system should groom leaders for the future. Some of the current teams in the IPL have missed that opportunity," Gambhir signed off.
