Gautam Gambhir, a former player for Team India, praised Rahul Dravid’s contract extension as head coach.
Rahul Dravid’s contract extension as Team India’s head coach was welcomed by former opener Gautam Gambhir, who sees it as positive news for the national team given the “T20 World Cup is around the corner.” The contracts of Dravid and the support personnel of Team India (Senior Men) were extended, as announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday. Beginning on December 10, Dravid’s second tour with Team India will feature a three-match Test series, three ODIs, and a T20I. The red-ball leg is scheduled to begin on December 26.
Before the ICC T20 World Cup in June in the West Indies and the United States, there will be a five-match Test series against England at home. Gambhir anticipates that Team India will play excellent cricket and maintain its dominance. The former opener highlights how difficult the T20 format will be and expresses hope that Rahul and the supporting cast can perform. Team India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour, fielding coach T Dilip, and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey will all stay on as Team India’s support staff contracts have been renewed by the BCCI.
“That Rahul has accepted it is a good thing, because the T20 World Cup is coming up and you don’t want to alter the entire support crew. Hopefully, we can carry on with India’s long history of dominance and excellent cricket play. The T20 format is unique and difficult, but perhaps Rahul and the support team can perform well. To them, congratulations,” Gambhir said to ANI.After an underwhelming ICC T20 World Cup performance in 2021 that saw India lose in the Super 12 round, Dravid took over for Ravi Shastri. His two-year appointment came to an end with India finishing second in the recently concluded domestic ICC Cricket World Cup.
Dravid commented, “The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable,” in reference to the contract extension. We have experienced both highs and lows together, and the group’s support and companionship have been incredible the entire time. Sincerely, I’m proud of the culture we’ve established in the changing room. It is a culture that perseveres through hardships as well as triumphs.Our staff has incredible talent and expertise, and we’ve focused on following the correct procedures and adhering to our plans because these things directly affect the final outcome.”
“I express my gratitude to the Office Bearers and the BCCI for supporting me during this time, believing in me, and putting their trust in me. Due to the demands of my position, I have to spend a lot of time away from home, and I am very grateful for my family’s support and sacrifices. Their support work in the background has been crucial. We are still dedicated to pursuing excellence even as we take on new challenges following the World Cup,” he continued.
