Ashwin Lauds Dravid's Transformative Tenure As India's Cricket Coach

Senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lauded Rahul Dravid, emphasising the significant effort the former India head coach put into transforming the team's mindset. Dravid concluded his tenure last month, leading India to an ICC trophy after a long wait, with Rohit Sharma's team clinching the T20 World Cup in the USA & Caribbean by defeating South Africa in the final.

Since assuming the head coach role in 2021, Dravid faced considerable criticism despite steering the team to notable achievements like winning the Asia Cup and reaching both the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final. Although India stumbled at crucial moments in ICC tournaments under Dravid's guidance, they performed admirably across all formats over the past three years.

Some critics have drawn parallels between these setbacks and India's disappointing exit from the 2007 ODI World Cup. However, Ashwin defended Dravid, stating that it was unfair to blame him for every failure, especially given his previous challenges as captain during that period.

"I want to talk about a person who is sacred. 2007, 50-over World Cup. India gets knocked out. Rahul Dravid, the captain at that point in time. He does not captain the one-day side after that," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. "He has been with the Indian team. If something does not go well, if the Indian team goes out, if they lose a match, immediately, they ask what Dravid is doing."

Ashwin also highlighted how well Dravid had been performing for the team over the past two to three years and mentioned that he had always been planning strategies even when at home. "I know what he has been doing with this team for the past two-three years. I know how balanced he has been. I know how hard he has worked to change this approach. I know what he has given each of his players. Even when he is just sitting at home, he has been planning how to do this and that," Ashwin added.

Emotional Moments and Future Plans

Ashwin shared a touching moment when Virat Kohli handed over the T20 World Cup trophy to Rahul Dravid, who hugged it and cried after leading India to their first major trophy in 11 years during his final assignment as coach. "My moment was When Virat Kohli called Rahul Dravid and gave the cup... I saw him hug the cup and cry. Rahul Dravid screamed and cried. I saw him enjoy it. I felt that a lot," Ashwin said.

Dravid is reportedly set for a new role with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 as their head coach, marking a return to Ashwin's IPL team.

Dravid's dedication and strategic planning have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket despite facing criticism during his tenure as head coach.