Rahul Dravid Offers Guidance To Gautam Gambhir, India's New Cricket Coach

Rahul Dravid, the former India coach, extended a warm welcome to his successor, Gautam Gambhir. He offered advice on handling challenging times as Gambhir takes over the Indian cricket team from Saturday, July 27.

Gambhir's tenure begins with the ongoing white-ball tour to Sri Lanka. This follows Dravid's departure after India's victory in the T20 World Cup Americas last month. In a video posted by BCCI, Dravid shared a heartfelt audio message for Gambhir.

"Hello, Gautam, and welcome to the most exciting job in our world as coach of the Indian cricket team. It's been three weeks since I ended my stint with the Indian team in a manner that was beyond my dreams," Dravid said.

He reminisced about his memorable experiences in Barbados and Mumbai. "More than anything else, I will treasure the memories and friendships I made in my time with the squad. As you take over the role of India coach, it is what I wish for you as well," he added.

Dravid humorously wished Gambhir a fully fit squad and first-choice players always available. He noted his own challenges during major tournaments like the T20 World Cup 2022 and ODI World Cup at home last year.

"I also hope that you will have the availability of fully fit players in every squad. Good luck with that. I also wish you a little bit of luck, as you know that all of us coaches need to make us look that little bit wiser and smarter than we actually are," he added.

Dravid has observed Gambhir both as a teammate for Team India and as an opponent in IPL. He believes Gambhir's resilience and passion for winning will greatly benefit his new role.

BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2024

"As your teammate, I saw you giving it your all on the field. As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I saw your resilience and refusal to surrender," Dravid said. He praised Gambhir's dedication to helping younger players and driving his team towards success.

Advice for Tough Times

"From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back. I wish you the very best Gautam. I am sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights," Dravid concluded.

Reacting to Dravid's message, Gambhir expressed his admiration for him. He called Dravid "the most selfless player" he has worked with and acknowledged how much there is to learn from him.

"Rahul Bhai has done anything and everything that Indian cricket needs. So I think there is so much to learn from, not only for me but for the next generation and for the current generation as well," Gambhir said.

Gambhir's Response

"Not me, not individuals, but what Indian cricket is. And I feel, I think this message actually made me a lot emotional," he admitted. Gambhir hopes to fill Dravid's shoes with honesty and transparency.

"Hopefully I can make the entire nation proud and more importantly Rahul Bhai proud," he concluded emotionally.

Gambhir’s first task as head coach starts on Saturday (July 27). The Suryakumar Yadav-led Men in Blue will face Sri Lanka in their first T20I match at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.