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Former India cricketer Yograj Singh revealed his coaching philosophy during a recent conversation with another ex-Men in Blue player Taruwar Kohli's podcast, 'Find a Way'. Yuvraj Singh's father Yograj Singh was posed with an interesting hypothetical: what would he do if he were appointed as the head coach of the Indian national team. In response, Yograj talked about the critical importance of safeguarding and providing strong support to the team's two most senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Yograj's remarks come at a time when the Indian team has faced immense criticism for the underwhelming show in the Tests. Rohit Sharma's brigade recently experienced an unprecedented 0-3 whitewash on home soil against New Zealand last November and subsequently lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. While the team has maintained its dominance in the shorter formats of the game, securing their second consecutive ICC title by winning the Champions Trophy 2025 under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, their Test form remains a point of concern, especially with an upcoming challenging tour of England, a place where India hasn't achieved a series victory since 2007.
Yograj Singh to make Rohit Sharma run 20 kms daily if he gets a chance to become India's head coach
With a firm conviction, Yograj asserted that if he were to take on the role of head coach, he would utilise the existing talent within the team to transform them into an invincible force. He specifically mentioned the necessity of looking after Kohli and Rohit, stating his intention to ensure their participation in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and to offer them his unwavering support.
"If you make me the coach of the Indian team, I will use these same players to transform it into a side that will be unbeatable for ages. Who will bring out their capabilities? Because people are always ready to throw them out of the team—drop Rohit Sharma or drop Kohli—but why? They are going through a rough patch and I want to tell my kids that I am with you. I'll tell them let's play Ranji Trophy, or I will make Rohit run 20 km. Nobody does that. These players are diamonds. You don't throw them out. I will be like their father. I have never differentiated between Yuvraj and the others, not even Dhoni. But what is wrong is wrong," Yograj said.
Reportedly, some of India's key Test players including Rohit and Virat might find themselves named in the India A squad for a couple of four-day tour matches against the England Lions. These games are being organised specifically as preparation for the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England. The tour matches are scheduled to kick off around May 30, which is just a few days after the conclusion of the IPL 2025 final. The final selection of the India A squad will largely depend on the availability of players leading up to the IPL playoffs. Reportedly, Karun Nair might also find a spot in India A's squad for the two unofficial Tests against England Lions.
Currently Rohit and Virat are engaged in playing IPL 2025 for their respective teams Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
