'You Don't Want to Change the Entire Support Staff': Gambhir Applauds Dravid's Extension as Team India Coach
Former Indian opener, Gautam Gambhir, has expressed his commendation for the contract extension of Rahul Dravid as the head coach of Team India . He views this development as promising news, particularly with the impending T20 World Cup on the horizon.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ) recently announced the extension of contracts for Dravid and the entire support staff of Team India (Senior Men).
Dravid's second stint with Team India will commence with the tour of South Africa from December 10, featuring three ODIs and T20Is each, followed by two Tests starting on December 26. Subsequent to this series will be a crucial five-match Test series against England at home, leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup in June, scheduled to take place in West Indies/USA.
Gambhir anticipates that Team India will uphold its dominance and continue to display stellar cricket. Acknowledging the unique challenges posed by the T20 format, he hopes that Rahul Dravid and the support staff can deliver excellence.
The contract extensions also encompass the batting coach Vikram Rathour, fielding coach T Dilip, and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, highlighting the BCCI's commitment to maintaining stability within the coaching setup.
Gambhir expressed his satisfaction, stating, "It's a good thing because the T20 World Cup is around the corner, and you don't want to change the entire support staff, and it is good that Rahul has accepted it. Hopefully, we can continue to dominate and play good cricket, what India has done for a long period of time. The T20 format is different and challenging, and hopefully, Rahul and the support staff can deliver. Congratulations to them."
Rahul Dravid assumed the role of head coach after replacing Ravi Shastri following India's disappointing exit in the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021. Initially appointed for a two-year term, Dravid's extension comes on the heels of India's runners-up finish in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup at home.
Reflecting on the contract extension, Dravid remarked, "The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable. Together, we have witnessed the highs and lows, and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal. I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room. It's a culture that stands resilient, whether in moments of triumph or adversity. The skills and talent that our team possesses are phenomenal, and what we've stressed is following the right process and sticking to our preparations, which has had a direct impact on the overall result."
"I thank the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in me, endorsing my vision, and providing support during this period. The demands of this role necessitate considerable time away from home, and I deeply appreciate my family's sacrifices and support. Their instrumental role behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence," Dravid added.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ) recently announced the extension of contracts for Dravid and the entire support staff of Team India (Senior Men).
Dravid's second stint with Team India will commence with the tour of South Africa from December 10, featuring three ODIs and T20Is each, followed by two Tests starting on December 26. Subsequent to this series will be a crucial five-match Test series against England at home, leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup in June, scheduled to take place in West Indies/USA.
Gambhir anticipates that Team India will uphold its dominance and continue to display stellar cricket. Acknowledging the unique challenges posed by the T20 format, he hopes that Rahul Dravid and the support staff can deliver excellence.
The contract extensions also encompass the batting coach Vikram Rathour, fielding coach T Dilip, and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, highlighting the BCCI's commitment to maintaining stability within the coaching setup.
Gambhir expressed his satisfaction, stating, "It's a good thing because the T20 World Cup is around the corner, and you don't want to change the entire support staff, and it is good that Rahul has accepted it. Hopefully, we can continue to dominate and play good cricket, what India has done for a long period of time. The T20 format is different and challenging, and hopefully, Rahul and the support staff can deliver. Congratulations to them."
Rahul Dravid assumed the role of head coach after replacing Ravi Shastri following India's disappointing exit in the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021. Initially appointed for a two-year term, Dravid's extension comes on the heels of India's runners-up finish in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup at home.
Reflecting on the contract extension, Dravid remarked, "The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable. Together, we have witnessed the highs and lows, and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal. I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room. It's a culture that stands resilient, whether in moments of triumph or adversity. The skills and talent that our team possesses are phenomenal, and what we've stressed is following the right process and sticking to our preparations, which has had a direct impact on the overall result."
"I thank the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in me, endorsing my vision, and providing support during this period. The demands of this role necessitate considerable time away from home, and I deeply appreciate my family's sacrifices and support. Their instrumental role behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence," Dravid added.
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