In his reflections on his collaboration with current ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, former India head coach Rahul Dravid praised the star batsman’s capacity to emotionally engage players and foster a supportive team atmosphere. Rahul Dravid emphasised that Rohit always made his aims clear, kept the dressing room fun and upbeat, and had a great deal of affection for his teammates.
Dravid went on to say that Rohit’s leadership style and his own coaching philosophy fit together well. He felt that the captain should be in charge of the team, and Rohit Sharma ability to think clearly gave him the confidence to let the captain do so. Their collaboration was extremely effective, leading India to steady results, including a trip to the 2023 ICC World Cup final.
He always seemed to genuinely care about the team, in my opinion. He was quite clear about his priorities and how he wanted to lead the team from the very first day. It’s crucial, in my opinion, in the bond between a coach and captain. On Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Dravid stated, “I always thought it should be the captain’s team.”
In addition to being a player, I have also served as captain. It is the captain’s responsibility to guide the team in the direction he desires. You must assist him with that. Naturally, you must assist a captain in gaining clarity and comprehending what is needed,” he continued.
Additionally, Dravid disclosed that Rohit was crucial in persuading him to stay on as head coach after he had contemplated resigning after the 2023 World Cup final loss. Dravid stayed on because of the captain’s support, and the two went on to make history by leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados, which ended the team’s 11-year wait for an ICC title.
“I felt that Rohit Sharma was extremely clear about what he expected from the team and how he wanted the culture and environment to be.
I believe he set these things because of his experience. For me, it was simply collaborating with him, occasionally pushing him on particular issues while also making sure he could feel at ease in that environment,” Rahul Dravid added.
“I knew he would perform and inspire the others to do the same if he felt at ease in that environment. Another thing about him is that he was very composed, had a strong bond with the squad, and didn’t fluctuate a lot. I never got that impression from him, anyway. He remained composed and in balance,” he continued.
Dravid cherished the chance to have deep discussions with Rohit both on and off the pitch, saying that their friendship would always be cherished. In a heartfelt farewell letter to Dravid at the conclusion of the coach’s employment, Rohit Sharma said that his wife Ritika had humorously called Rahul Dravid his “work wife,” a playful nod to the intimacy that characterised their relationship.
Above all, I had a great time conversing with him and getting to know him as a person. Being able to sit and talk to each other without having to limit our discourse to cricket made us feel at ease. Meeting with him and having supper was simple. It wasn’t coerced. “That was pleasant,” Rahul Dravid remarked.
It was great to witness him as a young U19 player, to give him his first cap, and to watch him develop as a leader. His ability to emotionally connect with players was his greatest talent. You had that experience. “I believe you (Ashwin) relished the opportunity to converse with him and confront him, knowing that he wouldn’t become agitated,” he continued.
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