Cricket

Rahul Dravid, former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has defended the controversial US leg of the recent T20 World Cup, arguing that the "odd hours" and "challenging" facilities were necessary compromises to bring cricket to a wider audience.Dravid, who led India to their first ICC title in 11 years during the tournament, said he had no problem with the 10:30 a.m. (local time) starts and the infrastructure used for the games in New York, Florida, and Texas."Yes, in terms of facilities, it's challenging. But if you want to grow the sport and make it a global game, then you have to be at events like this and make compromises, even if it means playing at odd hours in conditions that might not necessarily be perfect," Dravid said.He added that the early start actually ensured that the game was "even-steven" for both teams, as dew becomes a factor in many day-night games.Dravid also praised the ICC for its bold decision to bring the World Cup to the United States, saying it was a great effort to expose a new audience to the game."There is a huge passion for the game in the USA. It was really nice to play in the USA; some of the games were packed," he said.Dravid's comments come amid criticism of the US leg of the tournament, with some arguing that the early start times and lack of top-quality facilities were unfair to the players and fans.However, Dravid believes that the compromises made were necessary to grow the game in the United States and bring it to a wider audience.

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer, has expressed his unwavering support for the inclusion of cricket in the Olympic Games. During a panel discussion in Paris, Dravid revealed that current players are eagerly anticipating the prospect of competing in the global sporting spectacle.Dravid's presence in Paris was part of a discussion titled 'Cricket at the Olympics: Dawn of a New Era.' The event celebrated the momentous decision to include cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, a significant milestone for the sport."I've already heard conversations in the dressing room. People are talking about the 2026 T20 World Cup, the 2027 ODI World Cup, and the Olympics in 2028," Dravid said. "Players are determined to win that gold medal and be a part of the Games Village."Dravid expressed his desire for India to dominate both the men's and women's cricket competitions in Los Angeles. "The dream for me is to have Indian men and women winning the gold," he said. "But more than that, I want Indian fans to come to LA and support cricket, showing the world how great a sport it is."Dravid also defended the 10:30am start time for T20 World Cup matches in the United States. "I don't think starting at 10:30am was a problem," he said. "We are in the entertainment business, and we need to cater to people who want to watch the sport."Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the ICC, echoed Dravid's sentiments, stating that cricket will be one of the "star attractions" in Los Angeles. "Cricket is starting to dawn on the global sporting community," he said. "We are going to be very, very strong come 2028."Dravid also praised the progress of women's cricket, noting the increasing participation of young girls. "Women's cricket is already going forward," he said. "It's fantastic to have it going on concurrently with the men's competition. Cricket is becoming a lot more inclusive and attractive."

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of Team India, embarks on his tenure with the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. This marks a significant transition for the Indian cricket team, as Gambhir takes over the reins from Rahul Dravid, who guided the team to a successful ICC T20 World Cup campaign last month.Dravid, in an emotional audio message, extended his heartfelt wishes to Gambhir and shared his experiences as the head coach. He expressed his hope that Gambhir would have the luxury of a fully fit squad, something he often lacked during his tenure. Dravid also highlighted the importance of maintaining composure under pressure and seeking support from players, staff, and fans.Gambhir, in response, expressed his deep admiration for Dravid and acknowledged the emotional impact of his message. He described Dravid as the "most selfless player" he has worked with and committed to approaching his new role with honesty and transparency.The series against Sri Lanka will comprise three T20Is and three ODIs, with Shubman Gill serving as vice-captain to Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. This tour will provide Gambhir with an opportunity to assess the team's strengths and weaknesses and implement his coaching philosophy.Gambhir's appointment as head coach has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his experience at the international level, while others have praised his leadership qualities and his ability to work with younger players. As he begins his journey, the cricketing world will be keenly observing how he leads Team India through this new chapter.

As Gautam Gambhir embarks on his new role as head coach of Team India, he received a heartfelt message from his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. In a video shared by the BCCI, Dravid extended his well wishes and shared valuable insights with Gambhir.Dravid began by welcoming Gambhir to the "most exciting job in the world," recalling his own triumphant tenure that culminated in India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024. He expressed his hope that Gambhir would have the same fortune of having a fully fit squad at his disposal.Dravid also acknowledged Gambhir's dedication and passion for Indian cricket, having observed his work as a coach and mentor in the Indian Premier League. He urged Gambhir to maintain his drive to extract the best from his team and to assist younger players.Recognizing the intense scrutiny that comes with the role, Dravid offered words of support and encouragement. He emphasized that Gambhir would have the backing of the players, staff, and fans, even in challenging times.Dravid concluded his message with a personal request: "In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back, and even if it's difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people."Gambhir was visibly moved by Dravid's message, expressing his gratitude and admiration for his predecessor. He acknowledged the weight of the responsibility he had inherited and pledged to lead the Indian team with honesty, transparency, and a determination to make the nation proud.

Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, will grace the inaugural India House at the Paris Olympics. The event will feature a panel discussion titled "Cricket at the Olympics: Dawn of a New Era," celebrating the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.The panel discussion will take place on the evening of July 28 at India House, located at Parc de Lavillette. India House, the country's first-ever dedicated space at the Olympics, is a collaborative effort between Reliance Foundation and the Indian Olympic Association.Joining Dravid on the panel will be Geoff Allardice, CEO of the International Cricket Council, and Harsh Jain, CEO & Co-founder of Dream Sports.Dravid, who recently led India to victory in the T20 World Cup as their coach, is widely regarded as one of the most respected and admired figures in the cricketing world.Geoff Allardice said, as per a release by Dream Sports, "We continue to focus on the development of cricket across the world, bringing in more fans to the game, opportunities for players to compete at the highest level and now taking cricket to the Olympic stakeholders. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics marks an important step and we look forward to Paris 2024, as an added impetus to the journey."Speaking about the event, Harsh Jain said, "We are very excited to have the world's second-largest spectator sport finally included in the next Olympics. This is sure to take the Olympics' global viewership to an all-time high and encourage more countries to develop cricket programs, promoting the sport's growth and diversity."The upcoming moderated panel discussion will feature distinguished panellists who will share their insights on various aspects of cricket's inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics programme. The panellists will explore the potential for cricket's growth and the opportunities it presents in both established and emerging markets.Additionally, the discussion will focus on strategies to capitalize on the global enthusiasm of cricket fans. Cricket will be making its long-awaited return to the Olympics at the Los Angeles edition in 2028. Notably, the sport has only been featured in the Olympics once before, back in 1900.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach culminated in a triumphant note as he led the team to a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final on June 29. The victory marked India's first ICC title in 11 years, a moment that deeply moved veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, described the emotional moment when Dravid embraced the ICC T20 World Cup trophy and shed tears. "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, a batting legend, had never won an ICC title during his playing career. His tenure as coach was marked by both success and adversity, including the early elimination from the 2007 50-over World Cup.Despite the challenges, Ashwin praised Dravid's unwavering dedication and hard work. "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," Ashwin said.In the T20 World Cup final, India's batting duo of Virat Kohli and Axar Patel played crucial roles in setting a competitive target. Kohli's impressive knock of 76 runs, combined with Patel's quick-fire 47, helped India reach a total of 176 for 7.The Indian bowlers faced a challenging task in defending the total, but they held their nerves in a tense finish. The pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh proved instrumental in securing the victory. Bumrah's miserly spell of 2/18, Pandya's crucial 3/20, and Arshdeep's equally critical 2/20 in the death overs suffocated the opposition's chase, ultimately leading to a narrow seven-run win for India.The victory marked India's second T20 World Cup title, a fitting end to Dravid's tenure as coach. Gautam Gambhir will succeed Dravid as the new head coach, commencing his tenure with the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket team head coach, is reportedly in talks with Rajasthan Royals for a potential role within the franchise. Dravid's tenure as India's head coach ended after the team's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, and he has since been linked with several IPL franchises.Earlier, it was speculated that Dravid might join Kolkata Knight Riders, but recent reports suggest that he is in discussions with Rajasthan Royals, his former IPL team. "Talks are ongoing between RR and Dravid, and an announcement is expected soon," a source told Times of India.Dravid's decision to leave the Indian team was driven by his desire to spend more time with his family. The IPL, with its shorter duration, offers him a more manageable schedule. Dravid has previously worked as a mentor and coach with IPL franchises, including Delhi Daredevils.As Dravid explores his options, Gautam Gambhir has taken over as the head coach of the Indian team. Gambhir acknowledged the high expectations he faces, given Dravid's successful tenure.Dravid's experience and expertise make him a highly sought-after figure in the IPL. His potential role with Rajasthan Royals remains unclear, but it is likely that he will play a significant part in the franchise's operations.

Former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid is poised to make a sensational return to the Rajasthan Royals as their head coach, according to reliable sources. Negotiations between the franchise and Dravid are reportedly in advanced stages, with an official announcement expected soon.Dravid, 51, has a long-standing association with the Royals, having captained them to the Champions League T20 final and IPL playoffs in 2013. He subsequently served as their mentor in 2014 and 2015, guiding them to a third-place finish in the IPL.After his stint with the Royals, Dravid joined the BCCI in various capacities, including head coach of the India U-19 and India 'A' teams, chairman of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and finally head coach of the senior team from October 2021.It remains unclear whether the Royals will retain Kumar Sangakkara, who has been their director of cricket since 2021, or release him once Dravid takes over.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is seeking the assistance of an Indian expert to prepare for their upcoming white-ball series against India. Zubin Bharucha, the high-performance director of the Royals, is currently conducting a week-long "batting master class" for Sri Lankan players in Colombo. Bharucha is renowned for his rigorous training methods, which have played a crucial role in the development of young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel."I'm assisting Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) coaches in how they are setting up practice -from the academy to the international players," Bharucha said. According to sources, it was Sangakkara who recommended Bharucha for this special training session.

Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant Credit MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid for Their SuccessIndian cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant have expressed their gratitude for the mentorship and guidance they have received from former captains MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid. In a recent video released by Star Sports, the duo shared how these legendary figures have played a pivotal role in shaping their careers.Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, hailed Rahul Dravid's influence on his growth as a cricketer. He credited Dravid's guidance as instrumental in his success, particularly during the recent T20 World Cup in the Americas where Dravid served as head coach."Rahul Dravid has been a tremendous role model for us all," said Rohit. "We've seen what he's achieved both personally and for the team, often pulling us out of tough situations. His determination throughout his career was something I wanted to learn from when he came in as a coach. It has been incredibly beneficial, and besides the World Cup, we've won several major tournaments and series under his guidance."Young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant echoed similar sentiments about MS Dhoni, who was his first international captain. Pant highlighted how Dhoni's wisdom and experience have been crucial to his development as a player."Not just on the field, but off the field as well, MS Dhoni is always there to support and guide me," said Pant. "He's my go-to person whenever I'm unsure, and he encourages me to develop my own thought process."Dhoni's mentorship has extended beyond the field, with Pant crediting him for helping him navigate the challenges of international cricket. "He's taught me how to handle pressure, how to stay calm in difficult situations, and how to make the right decisions under pressure," said Pant.Under Dravid's leadership, India has enjoyed a period of success, winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados, dominating England in a five-match Test series at home, and reaching the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.