Cricket

Former Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid, who recently stepped down as India's head coach after guiding the team to the T20 World Cup 2024 title, is reportedly set to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the coach of Rajasthan Royals.Dravid, who had a successful stint with the Royals as captain, mentor, and coach before joining the BCCI, is likely to replace current head coach Kumar Sangakkara, who is being considered for the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) white-ball coaching role.According to Cricbuzz, if Sangakkara leaves the Royals to join England, Dravid is the frontrunner to take over the vacant head coach position. The 51-year-old has a wealth of experience in coaching, having guided India to the T20 World Cup title and the Under-19 World Cup title in 2018.Sangakkara, when asked about the England coaching job, said, "I know my name has been mentioned, but there has been no approach. The England white-ball job is exciting, but I am happy at Rajasthan Royals."England's white-ball coach Matthew Mott recently stepped down after the team failed to defend their ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup titles. The ECB has appointed former England batter Marcus Trescothick as an interim coach for the upcoming one-day international and T20 series against Australia.Dravid's return to the IPL as a coach would be a significant development, as he is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters India has ever produced. His experience and leadership skills would be invaluable to the Royals, who are looking to improve on their recent performances.

The evolution of coaching in Indian cricket has been a remarkable journey, from the days of amateur managers to the current era of professional coaches with lucrative contracts. In the past, the team manager, like P.R. Man Singh during India's 1983 World Cup triumph, handled multiple responsibilities. However, with the advent of commercialization and the recognition of mentorship's importance, the dressing room has undergone a significant transformation.The appointment of former stars like Kapil Dev and overseas experts like John Wright brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian team. However, not all coaching stints were smooth sailing. The infamous spat between coach Greg Chappell and captain Sourav Ganguly highlighted the challenges of managing strong personalities.In recent years, India has found success by sourcing coaches from within its own ranks. Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid have all served as head coaches, bringing their intimate knowledge of the Indian cricket system to the role. Gautam Gambhir is the latest addition to this illustrious list.Gambhir, a gritty former India opener, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for intensity to the coaching position. His 4,154 Test runs and crucial performances in limited-overs cricket, including top-scoring in India's inaugural ICC Twenty20 and 2011 World Cup victories, attest to his exceptional talent.Known for his unwavering determination and competitive spirit, Gambhir is expected to instill a similar mindset in the Indian team. However, he will also need to navigate the challenges of managing a diverse group of individuals and preparing India for the post-retirement era of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other senior players.Gambhir's appointment marks a new chapter in Indian cricket coaching. His experience, intensity, and understanding of the game make him a formidable candidate to guide the team to future success.

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, has appointed two new assistants to his coaching staff: Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. Both individuals were part of Gambhir's successful stint as coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."This is going to be the crux of the support staff," Gambhir said. "I have worked with people like Ryan and Abhishek in the last two months in the IPL, enjoyed working with them, thorough professionals. Hopefully we can have a successful tenure as coaches."In addition to Nayar and ten Doeschate, T. Dilip has been reappointed as fielding coach, while Sairaj Bahutule, who was part of the support staff in Zimbabwe, will take over as bowling coach. Barring ten Doeschate, who will join the squad in Pallekele, the others traveled with the team to Colombo on Monday.Dilip is expected to be the lone survivor from Rahul Dravid's coaching staff, while Morne Morkel is the front-runner for the bowling coach's post.Gambhir, who played a key role in India's World T20 and World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2011 respectively, emphasized the importance of winning and creating a positive team environment."My learning has been simple – it has been all about winning. I don’t deviate from something. We are in a profession where there can be only one winner. We try and play fair, we try and play hard and try and come back in a winning dressing room and a happy dressing room," he said."A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. Ultimately it is the players’ team, support staff is there to try and get the maximum out of their potential. Some days international cricket can be tough, can be insecure as well because only 15 can keep. It is the job of support staff to keep them happy."

Andy Flower, the former Zimbabwean wicketkeeper-batsman and renowned coach, recently shared his insights on the T20 World Cup and the evolution of cricket in an exclusive interview with The Hindu.Flower, who led Zimbabwe to its first-ever Test victory in 1995, holds the record for the highest score by a wicketkeeper in Test cricket, with an unbeaten 232. He also guided England to the T20 World Cup triumph in 2010 and to the No. 1 ranking in Tests a year later.Reflecting on the recent T20 World Cup final, Flower praised India's bowling attack, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. He believes Bumrah's exceptional skills in white-ball cricket set him apart from other fast bowlers.Flower also commented on the ongoing debate surrounding Bumrah's status as the greatest seamer in white-ball cricket, comparing him to the legendary Wasim Akram. While acknowledging Akram's brilliance, Flower suggested that if Akram had played T20 cricket, he would have further enhanced his skills and added greater variety to his bowling.Flower's coaching career has been marked by significant achievements. He guided England to the T20 World Cup victory in 2010, instilling an attacking mindset and encouraging innovation in the team. He also played a pivotal role in England's rise to the No. 1 Test ranking, leading them to three Ashes victories.Flower's success as a coach stems from his deep understanding of the game, his attention to detail, and his ability to connect with players. He has worked with some of the most talented cricketers in the world, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Steve Waugh.When asked about the best batter and bowler he has encountered, Flower named Wasim Akram as the greatest bowler and Sachin Tendulkar as the most respected batter. He praised Tendulkar's exceptional skills, his ability to handle pressure, and his remarkable longevity in the game.Flower's insights into the world of cricket provide valuable lessons for aspiring players and coaches alike. His emphasis on innovation, adaptability, and a strong work ethic serves as a reminder of the qualities that lead to success in the sport.

Avesh Khan, the promising Indian pacer, has lauded the coaching style of Gautam Gambhir, who is set to take over as Team India's head coach. Khan, who has worked under Gambhir's guidance at Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, shared his insights into Gambhir's approach, emphasizing his focus on winning and extracting the best from his players."Whatever I have learned from him is about the mindset that you should always look to get the better of your opponent and give your 100 per cent," Khan said in a press conference ahead of India's fourth T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare.Gambhir's coaching style is characterized by clear communication and a strong emphasis on teamwork. "In team meetings, as well as one-on-ones, he would speak less but would convey his point as to what is to be done," Khan explained. "He would assign tasks and roles to players and he has always been a 'team coach', he always wants to win and everyone to give their 100 per cent."Khan has been impressed with Gambhir's ability to motivate and inspire his players. "He has a way of making you believe in yourself and your abilities," Khan said. "He always pushes you to go the extra mile and never gives up on you."Khan's performance in the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe has been commendable, with the pacer taking six wickets in three matches. He attributed his success to the varying conditions at the Harare Sports Club, which have allowed him to showcase his versatility."We have played on different wickets here," Khan said. "We played the first two matches on the same deck, there was good bounce in the first match but in the second it had flattened out. The conditions are good, since it is an open ground the ball also swings a bit."Khan also highlighted the importance of adaptability as a bowler. "As a bowler, I always think of providing that as an option, bring in new elements such as developing a slow bouncer or a leg-cutter from outside off-stump or near the wide line," he said.Khan expressed his admiration for Jasprit Bumrah's clarity of thought and execution as a bowler. "Like Virat bhai said, he is once in a generation bowler, it is true and we all believe so," Khan said. "His style of bowling and his mindset are different, but main (thing) is his execution, for which we all practice."Khan is eager to emulate Bumrah's approach and believes that Gambhir's guidance will help him achieve his goals. "Whenever I speak with him, he tells me to focus on the execution," Khan said. "If you are thinking of sending down a yorker, then it has to be a yorker; it cannot be a full toss or a half volley, a bouncer has to be on the shoulders; a length ball has to be (aimed at) the top of off (stump)."

Rahul Dravid's Calm and Correct Coaching Style Leads India to T20 World Cup GloryFormer India head coach Lalchand Rajput has lauded Rahul Dravid's unique coaching style, attributing the team's recent T20 World Cup triumph to his calm and composed approach."Rahul Dravid's coaching is very silent and correct," Rajput told ANI. "We call him the Wall of Cricket. When one wins the World Cup, any person jumps up with joy. He danced yesterday and showed that he has another side also."India's victory in the summit clash against South Africa was a testament to Dravid's astute leadership. The team displayed remarkable resilience and composure under pressure, with Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya delivering exceptional performances in the death overs.Virat Kohli and Axar Patel also played crucial roles with the bat, guiding India to a competitive total. This win marks the end of India's 11-year ICC trophy drought, with their last triumph being the Champions Trophy in 2013.Dravid's calm and collected demeanor has been a key factor in India's success. He has instilled a sense of discipline and focus in the team, while also fostering a positive and supportive environment."He is a very calm and composed coach," Rajput said. "He doesn't get excited or angry. He always keeps his cool and that reflects in the team's performance."Under Dravid's guidance, India has developed a winning mentality and a never-say-die attitude. The team's ability to perform under pressure and execute their plans effectively has been a hallmark of their recent success.Dravid's coaching style has also been praised by former players and experts. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that Dravid's calm and composed approach has helped the team to stay focused and disciplined."Rahul Dravid is a very calm and composed coach," Gavaskar said. "He doesn't get excited or angry. He always keeps his cool and that reflects in the team's performance."With Dravid at the helm, India will be looking to continue their winning ways and establish themselves as a dominant force in world cricket.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach, which culminated in a glorious T20 World Cup triumph, will be remembered as a masterclass in managing a high-profile team with finesse and humility.Dravid's appointment in 2021 was met with high expectations, as he was tasked with matching the legacy of his predecessor, Ravi Shastri. While Dravid may not have had the opportunity to lead India to a Test series win in Australia, he tamed the Antipodeans at home in different formats. However, a defeat and a drawn Test series against South Africa remained a blemish on his record.Beyond these routine challenges, Dravid faced unique hurdles in managing a dressing room filled with superstars. He navigated the delicate task of phasing out senior batters Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, while simultaneously nurturing young talent.Dravid's ability to gauge people and situations was evident in his handling of the team. He created a balanced atmosphere with captain Rohit Sharma, allowing players to excel. Mohammed Siraj's transformation into an all-format bowler under Dravid's tutelage is a testament to his coaching acumen.However, Dravid's tenure was not without its controversies. The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the BCCI central contract raised eyebrows. Nonetheless, Dravid's unwavering belief in building a wider pool of young players, including Shubman Gill, Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Suryakumar Yadav, ultimately paid dividends.Despite the World Cup victory, Dravid's legacy will extend beyond the trophy. His ability to handle a team of high-profile individuals with grace and humility will serve as a benchmark for future coaches.

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket captain, is set to step down as the team's head coach after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa. Dravid has been at the helm of the Indian team for the past two and a half years, and his tenure has been marked by both success and challenges.In a recent interview, Dravid reflected on his coaching journey and shared his thoughts on the experience. He said that coaching the Indian Cricket Team has been a great learning experience for him and his family. He also stated that he will take back the connections that he has built during his tenure."I've really enjoyed myself. I think it's been a great learning experience for me and my family as well. I think everyone's got invested in the Indian team over the last two and a half years. I certainly have, obviously, being here. But so has my family in each and every result that the Indian team has been part of. So it's been really nice for me as well to see how my two young boys have taken to it. The kind of people that I've had the pleasure of working with, my coaching staff, the people who I've worked closely with," said Dravid."I know there have been results and we've had some really good results in this time, we've had some times where it's not been that easy. And that's part and parcel of being a coach and being a cricket team. But for me, I think the fondest memories that I'll take back is the connections that I've built, the friendships that I've built. That'll last long after I forget and remember some of these good results or bad results," Dravid added.India came close on a couple of occasions to ending their hiatus of lifting an ICC World Cup trophy. After their success in 2011, India came lost the 2014 T20 World Cup final. In 2016, the West Indies thumped them in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. In 2023, Australia toppled India to lift their record-extending sixth ODI World Cup trophy.India have a chance to finally end the wait to get their hands on the coveted prize if they defeat South Africa in the final of the tournament. With South Africa also not having lost a match, the T20 World Cup final will be a clash between the two unbeaten sides of the tournament.

Rahul Dravid, the esteemed coach of the Indian cricket team, has officially announced that the 2024 T20 World Cup will mark his final assignment with the national side. The former Indian captain, who has helmed the team since 2021, has decided not to re-apply for the post.Dravid's decision comes as the BCCI has already advertised for the top coaching position, with the new coach set to take over from July 1. The 2024 T20 World Cup concludes on June 29, aligning with Dravid's departure.Speaking ahead of India's opening match against Ireland at the T20 World Cup 2024, Dravid expressed his gratitude for his time as coach. "Every tournament is important. Every game that I've coached for India has been very important for me. So for me this is no different just because it is going to be the last one that I'm in charge of," he said.Dravid also addressed India's opening combination, stating that Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were the current choices, with Virat Kohli also a potential option.Reflecting on his coaching tenure, Dravid expressed his enjoyment and fulfillment. "I love doing the job. I've really enjoyed coaching India and I think it's a truly special job to do. I enjoyed working with this team and it's a great bunch of boys to work with," he said.However, Dravid acknowledged the demanding schedule and his personal circumstances as factors in his decision not to re-apply. "I don't think I'll be able to reapply," he said.Despite his departure, Dravid emphasized that his commitment to the team remains unwavering. "From the first day I took the job, I always felt that every game was important and every game mattered and that will not change," he asserted.India will be aiming to secure an elusive ICC trophy at the 2024 T20 World Cup, providing a fitting farewell for their departing coach.