From a bus to team supremo: The evolution of the cricket coach

In 2024, during another one of those utterly forgettable bilateral T20I series between India and Sri Lanka, SonyLIV (the official Indian broadcasters) ran a most singular promo. While the banner did feature cricketers, the largest faces were reserved for the two new coaches and retired stars, Sanath Jayasuriya and Gautam Gambhir . It was unheard of in a country where cricketers are worshipped as demi-gods and coaches were perceived as the head support cast.That year, 2024, was also during the peak of clamour regarding Bazball , an approach that divided opinion and inspired books, and a word that found its…