Former coach Rahul Dravid has sent his replacement, Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, a poignant message as the squad embarks on a new path. There are big expectations for the new coach going into the forthcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, which begins on July 27, 2024.
Dravid, who ended his great tenure with a victory in the T20 World Cup in 2024, has handed over the reins to Gambhir. Dravid’s career came to an incredible climax last month when the Men in Blue, captained by Rohit Sharma, upset South Africa in the Barbados final.With the team’s first practise ahead of the T20I series against Sri Lanka, Dravid had a special message for Gambhir as he formally started his coaching career.
In a video that the BCCI shared on social media, Dravid congratulated Gambhir on taking over as Team India’s head coach. He talked about his stint on the Indian team and revealed some of his most treasured memories from the country’s recent triumph in the T20 World Cup.
“Hi, Gautam, and welcome to the most thrilling job in the worldโthat of being the Indian cricket team’s coach. I left the Indian team three weeks ago in a way that beyond my expectations, first in Barbados and then a few days later on that night that will never be forgotten in Mumbai. I will always value the connections and memories I formed when I was a member of the squad above anything else. That’s what I hope for you too, Dravid, as you take on the role of coach for India.
Additionally, I’m hoping that every squad has players who are available and fully healthy. Wishing you luck on that. As you are aware, we coaches have to make ourselves appear little more knowledgeable and astute than we actually are. I also wish you a little bit of success. I watched you on the pitch giving it your all as your teammate. As a fellow fielder and batting partner, I witnessed your tenacity and defiance of giving up,” the 51-year-old continued.
Watch the video below:
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ & ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ! ๐
To,
Gautam Gambhir โFrom,
Rahul Dravid ๐#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @GautamGambhir pic.twitter.com/k33X5GKHm0โ BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2024
I have never really played alongside a more selfless cricket player than Rahul Dravid: The Gautam Gambhir
Furthermore, the old coach got Gambhir ready for what lay ahead. Yet he also said that the players, the staff, and the millions of supporters would always back Indian cricket, despite the intense criticism.
“You will never be alone, even in the worst of circumstances. As you are aware, there will be enormous expectations and intensive scrutiny. Never forget who you play for; you will always have the backing of the management, your support team, the players, and the former leaders. For the fans who, despite their demands, will never waver and will always support the club,” he went on.
One final note from an Indian cricket coach to another! Even at the hottest of moments, release the air. Retrace your steps. And grin, even if you’re finding it hard. Everything more shocking that occurs. Dravid continued, “I hope the best for you, Gautam. I know you can lead the Indian team to even greater success.
Gambhir exhibited an emotional response to the message. He called Dravid the most selfless cricket player he had ever truly played with, expressing his profound appreciation for the player. Gambhir recognised the significance of the position.
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“This message means a lot to me, and it’s not because it comes from the person I succeeded or replacedโrather, it comes from someone I always looked up to when I was a player. I’m not sure how to respond to it. “Rahul [Dravid] bhai, who has done everything and everything Indian cricket needed, is the most selfless cricketer I’ve ever actually played with, so I think there is so much to learn from,” Gambhir said in closing.
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