Cricket

Rahul Dravid, India's head coach, has expressed dissatisfaction with the practice facilities provided for the T20 World Cup in New York. The teams are practicing at Cantiague Park, a public park, while the matches will be played at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium, located five miles away.Dravid criticized the unusual practice arrangements, saying, "It's a bit strange to be practicing in a park. Obviously at the World Cups you'd be in big stadiums or you'd be at cricket stadiums traditionally."The use of drop-in pitches at the Nassau County stadium has also raised concerns. Sri Lanka was bowled out for their lowest T20I total of 77 on one of these pitches, fueling the debate about their suitability.Dravid also noted the lack of excitement surrounding the tournament in the United States, where cricket is not a major sport. "It's obviously slightly different. It's obviously exciting that it's coming to a new country, it's coming to a new place. (It) feels slightly different in terms of, I guess, typically the buzz that you have around these events, with cricket not being one of the major sports in this country," he said.Despite these challenges, Dravid emphasized that the team's preparations and focus remain unaffected. "But I think from a preparation perspective and from what we want to get out of it, I don't think that's changed. Our preparation, our professionalism, the way we are trying to approach things, it's pretty, pretty similar to what we would normally do," he said.India will play three of their four group matches at the Nassau County stadium, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9. Dravid will be hoping to end his tenure as head coach on a high note by guiding India to their first ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

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.

India's esteemed head coach, Rahul Dravid, has announced his departure from the role after the upcoming T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies. This decision marks the end of Dravid's tenure, which began in November 2021.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for Dravid's successor, with former India teammate Gautam Gambhir emerging as the frontrunner. Gambhir's credentials include his successful stint as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), leading the franchise to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.Gambhir's interest in the coaching role is evident, as he has expressed his desire to guide the Indian team. "I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team," Gambhir stated.The BCCI's decision to consider Gambhir is based on his impressive record as a player and his understanding of the game. As a member of India's T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup-winning teams, Gambhir brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.While Dravid's departure will leave a void in the Indian coaching setup, the BCCI is confident that Gambhir possesses the necessary qualities to lead the team to future success. His appointment would mark a new chapter in Indian cricket, with the former opener tasked with continuing the team's dominance on the international stage.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opening batsman, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Dravid's tenure is set to expire after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking a suitable replacement.Gambhir has expressed his desire to take on the coaching role, stating that it would be an honor to guide the national team. He believes that the support of the entire nation can help India win the World Cup."I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe as well and when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that? It is not me that will help India win the World Cup, it is 140 crore Indians who will help India win the World Cup. If everyone starts praying for us and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless," Gambhir said during an interaction with young sports enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi.Gambhir's credentials as a coach are impressive. He has led the Kolkata Knight Riders to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles and has also been successful with the Delhi Capitals. He is known for his aggressive and fearless approach to the game, which could be a valuable asset to the Indian team.However, Gambhir's appointment is not without its challenges. He has been criticized for his outspoken nature and his lack of experience at the international level. Additionally, the BCCI may prefer a more experienced coach with a proven track record at the highest level.Despite these challenges, Gambhir remains a strong candidate for the coaching role. His passion for the game, his leadership skills, and his desire to succeed could make him the ideal person to lead India to future glory.

Team India's Concerns Over Nassau Stadium Conditions Ahead of T20 World CupTeam India's head coach Rahul Dravid has expressed concerns over the playing conditions at the Nassau Stadium in New York, where the team will play three of their four group stage matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup.After their only warm-up game against Bangladesh at the venue on Saturday, Dravid shared his assessment of the conditions, pointing out that the ground was a bit soft and the pitch a bit spongy. He feared injury concerns and asked players to be watchful while playing at the new venue."The ground is a little bit soft. So I think the guys will feel that a little bit tomorrow on the hamstring and calves, so it is an area we have to ensure we are working around and ensure that the guys are looking after themselves because it does feel a little bit heavy underneath," Dravid said in a video posted by BCCI."Little bit spongy at times but I thought we coped really well. I thought we managed that really well. We batted and put what we thought was an above par score on that wicket. Then came out and bowled really well," he added.India will play against Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States at the Nassau Stadium on June 5, 9, and 12, respectively, before moving to Florida for their final Group A game against Canada on June 15.In the warm-up game against Bangladesh, India batted really well on a tricky track to post 182 for five. While keeper-batter Rishabh Pant fired a 32-ball 53 before retiring, all-rounder Hardik Pandya hit an unbeaten 23-ball 40 to lift India to a solid total. Bowlers then fired in unison to stop Bangladesh at 122 for 9 in their 20 overs.Dravid's concerns stem from the fact that the Nassau Stadium is a newly built facility, and the playing surface may not have settled yet. He will be hoping that the conditions improve before India's first group stage match against Ireland on June 5.

With the 2024 T20 World Cup approaching and current head coach Rahul Dravid set to step down after the tournament, the search for his successor has begun. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a potential candidate, garnering support from former Indian women's team head coach WV Raman.Raman, who has witnessed Gambhir's leadership qualities firsthand, believes he possesses the necessary acumen and strategic thinking to excel as head coach. "Gautam Gambhir will definitely be somebody who knows what to do," Raman said. "He has been a good captain in the IPL and is a good strategist."Raman emphasized that a coach's success hinges on their ability to integrate with the team and adapt their strategies. "It's all about things coming together when you are coaching a side," he explained. "How quickly everybody settles down with the boys and the boys with his ways of doing things is key."In addition to Gambhir's potential appointment, Raman also praised wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Raman lauded Karthik's dedication and resilience throughout his career."Fantastic career. He must be proud of it," Raman said. "He's been extraordinarily entertaining and also someone who is highly dedicated to cricket and has overcome so many challenges in his life."Karthik's dynamic presence on and off the field has left a lasting impression, and Raman acknowledged his transition to a new career. "He's got another career straight away to get into. I wish him all the very best," Raman concluded.As the Indian cricket team prepares for the future, the appointment of a new head coach and the retirement of a veteran player mark significant milestones. Gautam Gambhir's potential appointment as head coach has sparked excitement, while Dinesh Karthik's retirement has brought a chapter to a close.

India's quest for an elusive ICC trophy continues at the upcoming T20 World Cup, with the Rohit Sharma-led team aiming to break a decade-long drought. Since their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph under MS Dhoni, India has failed to lift an ICC title.Rahul Dravid, whose tenure as head coach concludes after the tournament, faces a crucial test in guiding India to glory. Last year's ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia remains a bitter memory for Dravid and his team.Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has offered advice to Dravid, emphasizing the need for a concrete plan to navigate the knockout stages. "India lacks that final plan in terms of how they are going to go about winning this World Cup," Lara said. "It doesn't matter how many superstars you have; it matters how you are going to structure your innings or attack."India will face Bangladesh in a warm-up match on Saturday before their Group A campaign begins. They are grouped alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA.India's squad boasts a blend of experience and youth, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge. Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant form the core of the batting lineup, while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav provide spin options. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh spearhead the pace attack.India's path to the semifinals is not without challenges. Pakistan, their arch-rivals, pose a formidable threat, while Ireland and Canada have proven to be competitive in recent years. The co-hosts USA will be eager to make an impact on home soil.Dravid and his team will need to find the right balance between aggression and caution, and execute their plans with precision. If they can overcome the mental hurdles that have plagued them in past ICC tournaments, India has the potential to end their trophy drought and cement their status as one of the world's leading cricket nations.

Indian Cricketers Urged to Relax for T20 World Cup SuccessWith the T20 World Cup 2024 approaching, Indian cricketers face immense pressure to end their ICC trophy drought. Former captain Sourav Ganguly believes the team needs to adopt a more relaxed approach to achieve success.Ganguly observed that Indian players and their families often display visible signs of stress during World Cup matches. He emphasized the importance of playing with freedom and avoiding excessive pressure."We in India make this mistake of pushing too much," Ganguly said. "When I see Rohit's wife in the stands, it is evident how much pressure she is under. When I see Virat's wife, I see the kind of pressure she is feeling."Ganguly cited the 2003 World Cup final as an example of how pressure can hinder performance. "If anything, we need to relax when we are playing the big games," he said.He praised India's performance in the 2023 World Cup, where they reached the final but lost to Australia. "Despite losing the final, I will say India was the best team," Ganguly said. "We played some fantastic cricket right through the competition. If only we could be a little relaxed for the final."Ganguly urged coach Rahul Dravid to encourage a more relaxed mindset within the team. "It will be to relax a little," he said. "Just play with freedom, but also don't put too much pressure on ourselves."By embracing a relaxed approach, Ganguly believes India can overcome the pressure and achieve success in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Rahul Dravid, India's head coach, has been tasked with leading the team to glory in three major events: the 2022 T20 World Cup, the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship, and the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup. India has been yearning for an ICC trophy since M.S. Dhoni's side triumphed in the 2013 Champions Trophy.As Dravid's tenure nears its end, the three big events have come and gone, and India remains without a major title. The 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup presents Dravid with a final opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.Like Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma is eager to break India's trophy drought. He came close in the 2023 ODI CWC, only to be thwarted by a ruthless Australia in the final. Sharma also led India in the previous T20 mega event, where eventual champion England crushed them by 10 wickets in the semifinal.Sharma will have a similar squad at his disposal this time around. Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, the highest and third highest tournament run scorers in 2022, are in top form after impressive performances in IPL 2024. The return of Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the 2022 festivities due to a back injury, further strengthens the lineup. Bumrah's pinpoint accuracy and lethal yorkers can bail India out of desperate situations.The team management must learn from the costly mistake they made in the 2023 final. The batters were overly cautious in Ahmedabad, a strategy that can be fatal in modern-day T20 cricket. Attacking relentlessly is the only way to succeed.India has been fortunate with the draw. They face no major threats in Group A, with Pakistan being the only potential obstacle. Ireland, USA, and Canada should be easy pickings. India's progress to the Super 8s, reserved for the top two teams in each group, is virtually guaranteed.No World Cup is complete without a marquee India-Pakistan game. The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York will host this highly-anticipated clash on June 9. Kohli's majestic straight six off Haris Rauf at Melbourne is still fresh in the memory. The occasion demands another unforgettable moment.The bigger tests await in the Super 8s, which will be held in the West Indies. India, and Dravid in particular, will not have fond memories of the last time the Caribbean hosted a big event. The 2007 World Cup shock group-stage exit, under Dravid's captaincy, is best forgotten. Thankfully, this group of players bears no scars from that horror.And so, another quest begins. Dravid, Rohit & Co. will be desperate to return home with a trophy.