Former cricketer Virender Sehwag has emphasised the importance of India coach Rahul Dravid in identifying crucial team members and maximising their potential during the upcoming World Cup. The 2023 World Cup schedule for India is the most difficult of any of the ten participating teams, with matches scheduled at nine distinct venues.
Rahul Dravid, who was criticised following India’s defeat in the final of the World Test Championship in 2023, will play a crucial role, much like Gary Kirsten did during India’s World Cup victory in 2011.
Sehwag observed that Kirsten allowed players to practice according to their preferences. In order to optimise the performance of the team, Dravid will be responsible for determining factors such as appropriate practice durations and necessary breaks for the players, according to the coach.
“During our time together, Gary Kirsten permitted us to practice as we saw fit. It is not necessary for Virender Sehwag to emulate Sachin Tendulkar’s batting style by facing a significant number of deliveries, Sehwag was quoted as saying by India Today.
“Consequently, identifying this will be crucial for the Indian team’s management and personnel. Therefore, Rahul Dravid will play a significant role in determining who should practice how much, who requires breaks, and how I can get the most out of my players, as stated by Sehwag.
Sehwag emphasised the significance of athletes in establishing the reputation of a coach. He observed that India’s recent losses in the WTC Final garnered more attention than the country’s previous appearances in the championship. Sehwag argued that players determine the fate of coaches, citing Kirsten’s rise after India’s 2011 World Cup victory as evidence.
“Once a player steps onto the pitch, the reputation of the coach is in the player’s hands. The coach is praised if the player performs well; otherwise, the coach is criticised. We reached the WTC Final twice, but the emphasis is on our loss rather than our achievement of reaching the final twice. Rahul Dravid has been an excellent coach and player, but he is no longer able to play. If the athlete is successful, Dravid will be praised.”
No coach can create greatness: Sehwag
Sehwag praised Rahul Dravid as a great coach and player, but emphasised that he will not be physically participating in games. It is up to the athletes to perform well once they enter the pitch.
He also stated that Rahul Dravid reputation is contingent on his players’ performance.
“A coach does not produce greatness. As we observed with Gary Kirsten during the 2011 World Cup victory, the player confers brilliance on the coach. With the exception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Gujarat Lions, where he played alongside Nehra, Kirsten hasn’t won a trophy since leaving Australia. Sehwag said.
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