After India’s success in the ICC T20 World Cup last month, Rahul Dravid has been replaced by Gautam Gambhir as Team India’s new head coach starting with a tour of Sri Lanka. In an emotional audio message, Dravid wished Gambhir well and also shared his experiences with him.
Sri Lanka series consist of three T20Is and three ODIs with Shubman Gill serving as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy in T20Is while Rohit Sharma assists him in ODI matches.
In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rahul Dravid spoke about his experience coaching the team and encouraged Gautam Gambhir.
“Passing on the baton with class and grace! To Gautam Gambhir, From Rahul Dravid #TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @GautamGambhir,” tweeted BCCI.
Dravid jokingly hopes that Gambhir will be blessed with an injury-free group during key tournaments such as The ICC T20 World Cup 2022 and The ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 unlike he did. He described being the head coach of the Indian team as the “most exciting job.”
“My congratulations to you, Gautam; welcome to what is probably one of the most exciting jobs anybody can have in this world – that is coaching our national cricket team. It’s been twenty-one days since I ended my stint with these guys at a period when things just kept getting better than I fathomed. After Barbados before three days later on that unforgettable evening at Mumbai. But most importantly, it was nice having their company regardless of anything else we were doing. When you take over from me as coach for India, those are all I can say,” said Dravid.
“I also pray that your teams will consist of fully recovered players every time. God give you luck if there’s any left because you know all of us coaches have to make ourselves look that little bit wiser and smarter than we really are,” he added.
Praising Gambhir’s persistence, refusal to quit and overwhelming desire for victory, Dravid narrated how he had observed these attributes both as a teammate in the Indian cricket team and a rival at IPL tournaments. He also commended Gambhir for his ability to work with younger players and bring out their best.
“Your dedication towards Indian cricket is known by me personally, I think you will be bringing those same qualities into this new role,” Dravid said.
At the same time, Dravid advised Gambhir not to lose his nerve in tense situations while emphasizing on support from teammates, staffs and fans.
“Finally from one Indian cricket coach to another – breathe out, take a step back even when it is hard for you and smile, because that will surprise people more than anything else.When everything else fails that will stun people. All the best Gautam and I am sure you will take this Indian side to greater heights.” Concluded Dravid.
Dravid’s video drew an emotional response from Gambhir who expressed immense respect for him. He went on saying that working alongside Dravid was like being around “the most selfless player” he had ever come across committed himself to honest dealings in his new position.
Rahul Bhai has done everything and anything required by Indian Cricket. Therefore, I think there is a lot for me to learn from this generation as well as the next one, and what Indian cricket means to other people around the world too. It’s not me, it’s not individuals, its Indian cricket. Moreover, I am not a person who gets so much emotional but I guess this message made me feel so emotional which is something that shouldn’t be happening but it’s a good note indeed. May be able to fill them if at all such were shoes However, if I am sincere enough and open-hearted enough about it then maybe yes I could also make my country proud just like Rahul did before,” concluded Gambhir.
This new phase of Team India under Gambhir’s coaching will be watched closely by the cricketing world as he embarks on his new role today.”
