Former Indian skipper and former head coach Rahul Dravid expressed his confidence that Gautam Gambhir’s vast playing and coaching experience will significantly benefit the Indian cricket team. Speaking at an event in Delhi, Dravid highlighted the unique qualities Gambhir would bring to the national setup, following the latter’s appointment as a coach.
“I think he has got a lot of experience as a player,” Dravid remarked. “He has played a lot. He has obviously coached quite a bit. In any situation one brings his own experiences, knowledge to the table. I am sure the team is going to benefit what Gautam is going to bring to the table along with his team,” he said.
Gautam Gambhir appointment after India T20 World Cup Triumph
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Gautam Gambhir as the team’s new coach on July 9, soon after India’s thrilling victory in the ICC T20 World Cup. Under Dravid’s guidance, the Men in Blue had ended their 11-year title drought by defeating South Africa to capture their second ICC T20 World Cup.
Gautam Gambhir, known for his leadership skills, previously led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, cementing his reputation as a sharp tactician. His transition from IPL success to the national team’s coaching setup is expected to bring fresh insights and strategies to the Indian side.
Rahul Dravid return to Rajasthan Royals
Rahul Dravid also made headlines with his return to Rajasthan Royals as head coach for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Dravid, who has a deep connection with the Royals, played 46 matches for the franchise between 2011 and 2013, scoring 1,276 runs. He later transitioned into a coaching role with the team, laying the foundation for his illustrious coaching career.
Rahul Dravid will collaborate with Kumar Sangakkara, Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket, to shape the franchise’s overall cricketing strategy. His past experience with the Royals, coupled with his success as India’s head coach, makes his return a highly anticipated move.
Journey of coaching success
Since transitioning from player to mentor, Rahul Dravid has played a pivotal role in shaping Indian cricket. His work with the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the Indian U19 team, and the senior national side has been instrumental in India’s rise to the top of global cricket rankings across formats.
Under Dravid’s leadership, India finished as runners-up in the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship and also enjoyed success in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup held at home. His recent triumph with the T20 World Cup has further solidified his legacy as one of the most impactful coaches in Indian cricket.
As India embarks on a new era with Gambhir’s addition to the coaching staff, Dravid’s optimism about him suggests that the future of Indian cricket is in safe hands.
