Cricket

Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team will conclude after the T20 World Cup 2024, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to initiate the search for his successor. While Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman have emerged as potential candidates, the absence of Dravid's reapplication has raised questions.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has shed light on Dravid's decision, revealing that the board respected his desire to prioritize family commitments. "He told me that due to family commitments he wants to quit and we respect his decision. I didn't want to force him to extend," Shah stated.Shah lauded Dravid's invaluable contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and an administrator. "Rahul bhai has served Indian cricket for the past five and half years. He was director of the National Cricket Academy for three years and then for the past two and half years, he served as head coach of Team India," Shah said.He emphasized Dravid's pivotal role in India's recent T20 World Cup triumph, alongside captain Rohit Sharma. "Rahul Dravid's role is as important as Rohit Sharma in this T20 World Cup title triumph. He is a man, who took the team to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and didn't wanted to leave because he wanted to finish the job," Shah added.The BCCI has confirmed that the new head coach will be appointed in time for India's upcoming series against Sri Lanka. "Both coach and selector appointments will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but a new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series," Shah said.

Rahul Dravid, India's former head coach, set a final goal for star batter Virat Kohli after the team's triumph in the T20 World Cup. Dravid urged Kohli to conquer the World Test Championship, referencing Kohli's impressive collection of limited-overs global trophies."All three white ticked off, one red to go. Tick it," Dravid told Kohli, referring to Kohli's victories in the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy. Dravid repeated warmly, "Go tick it."Dravid's tenure as India's coach ended on a high note after his appointment in 2021. India secured their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by seven runs, the first being in 2007 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni.India's cricket achievements include ODI World Cup victories in 1983 and 2011, along with Champions Trophy titles in 2002 and 2013.The celebratory video also featured Suryakumar Yadav, who made a remarkable catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Yadav expressed his overwhelmed feelings, saying, "No feelings right now, I don't know what to say."Pacer Arshdeep Singh proudly showed polaroid photos taken before and after the final, illustrating his belief in the team's success. "This is what belief can do," he said.With India celebrating this significant achievement, the focus now shifts to future goals, inspired by the legacy of its cricketing legends.

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 the Indian cricket team coach culminated in a triumphant farewell as his side emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. In a candid post-match interview, Dravid displayed his characteristic wit and humor, joking about his impending unemployment.Dravid's contract with the Indian cricket team expired after the tournament, and he had previously announced his decision not to extend it. In a lighthearted exchange with reporters, he quipped, "Yeah, I will be [able to move on from the victory]. I mean, next week life will be the same for me. I'll be unemployed, that'll be the only difference."Dravid's jovial demeanor drew laughter from the journalists, and he continued, "I am unemployed from next week, any offers?" The search for Dravid's successor is already underway, with former India batter Gautam Gambhir reportedly emerging as the frontrunner.Reflecting on his time with Dravid, Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude and admiration. "I tried to persuade him to stay, but there are obviously various factors he needs to consider. Nevertheless, I cherished the time spent with him," Sharma said."He was my first international captain when I entered the scene in Ireland. I also witnessed his captaincy during my early Test matches. He's been a significant role model for us," Sharma added.Dravid's departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His tenure as coach was characterized by a focus on discipline, teamwork, and player development. Under his guidance, the Indian team achieved notable successes, including a historic Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21.As Dravid embarks on a new chapter in his life, the Indian cricket team will look to build on the foundation he has laid. The search for his successor is a crucial step in ensuring the continued success of the team.

As India emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the tenure of head coach Rahul Dravid draws to a close. Following the triumph, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny expressed his admiration for the Men in Blue and suggested that former opener Gautam Gambhir would be a valuable asset as India's next coach.India's second T20 World Cup victory, achieved by a narrow seven-run margin over South Africa, has sparked speculation about the next head coach. With Dravid's contract expiring after the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, Gambhir has emerged as a strong contender, backed by several former cricketers.Gambhir has expressed his eagerness to coach the Indian team, stating that it would be an honor. However, he has remained tight-lipped about the possibility of replacing his former teammate Dravid. Binny emphasized the need for a head coach with experience in all formats of cricket."Gautam Gambhir has got a lot of experience, and if he takes the job, it's definitely going to be a good thing for Indian cricket," Binny said. "He is experienced, that's what India needs. India needs a coach who played the game, and he has played in all three formats of the game."Following India's World Cup victory, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 internationals. Binny acknowledged the difficulty of replacing such exceptional players but expressed hope that young players would step up to fill their shoes."They have been outstanding...it is going to be very difficult to replace them immediately...it is going to be a great loss at the moment," Binny said. "Hopefully, we should get some young cricketers, the IPL is full of talent. It's not going to be easy, but we can try and get some young cricketers to do what they have done."Under Dravid's guidance, Team India made significant strides, reaching the finals of the ODI World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship before falling to Australia in both events. India's 11-year ICC title drought ended with their triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a testament to the team's unity and meticulous planning."Rahul as a cricketer has been fantastic," Binny said. "His contribution to the team has been tremendous because of the experience he brought to the table...he really did a fantastic job with them. It's just unfortunate that he lost a few games, he lost the last World Cup."

India's historic T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados marked a bittersweet moment as it signaled the end of Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach. Dravid, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, was given a fitting farewell with the team's maiden World Cup trophy under his guidance.Dravid, who played a pivotal role in India's 2003 ODI World Cup final appearance, heaped praise on skipper Rohit Sharma, who announced his retirement from T20 internationals after the victory. "I will miss him as a person," said Dravid. "The kind of respect he has shown me, the care and commitment he has had for the team, the energy he has spent...it's the person in Rohit that I will remember the most."Under Dravid's coaching, India reached three ICC trophy finals in a year, losing to Australia in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup finals. However, the team was determined to break the jinx at the T20 World Cup.In the final against South Africa, India posted a competitive 176 for 7, thanks to Virat Kohli's Player of the Match performance (76 off 59). Axar Patel's valuable 47 off 31 also contributed to the total.South Africa made a strong start but lost early wickets. Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27) and Quinton de Kock (39 off 31) brought the Proteas back into contention, reducing the required run rate to one per ball.However, Hardik Pandya's dismissal of Klaasen swung the momentum back in India's favor. Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional 18th over, conceding only two runs and taking a wicket, further tilted the balance.The defining moment came in the 20th over when Suryakumar Yadav took a spectacular catch at the boundary off Pandya's bowling. Pandya's impressive figures of 3 for 20 proved crucial as South Africa fell short, finishing at 169 for 8.Dravid's departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His legacy as a coach will be defined by his ability to guide the team to the brink of glory in multiple ICC tournaments. As India looks to the future, they will undoubtedly draw inspiration from Dravid's leadership and the lessons he imparted during his tenure.

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.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, has lauded Suryakumar Yadav's exceptional performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Ashwin hailed Yadav as one of the finest T20 batters globally, highlighting his remarkable consistency and ability to deliver under pressure.Yadav, batting at number four, has amassed 196 runs in seven matches at an impressive strike rate of 137.06, making him the ninth-highest run-getter in the tournament. Ashwin attributed Yadav's success to his unwavering intent and the confidence instilled in him by head coach Rahul Dravid."Suryakumar Yadav is one of the finest T20 batters in the world. He is playing extraordinarily well," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. "He has shown his intent at number four, putting to bed any doubts about his ability to perform in knockout matches against big teams."Ashwin also praised Dravid's transformative role in shaping Team India's approach. He emphasized Dravid's meticulous planning and unwavering commitment to empowering each player."I know what Rahul Dravid has been doing with this team for the past 2-3 years. He has worked hard to change the approach, giving each player a clear role and instilling confidence in them," Ashwin added.India, under Rohit Sharma's leadership, has been dominant throughout the tournament, showcasing their prowess against formidable opponents like Australia, Pakistan, and England. South Africa, on the other hand, has navigated close encounters, narrowly escaping defeat against Bangladesh, Nepal, and the West Indies.Both teams will face off in the highly anticipated final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, with India aiming to end their ICC trophy drought since 2013 and claim their first T20 World Cup title since 2007.

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.