Former India left-arm speedster Irfan Pathan has said that the decision of Rahul Dravid to head the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru is the “best thing that has happened to Indian cricket”. Notably, the batting great has reapplied for the position of Head of Cricket at the NCA after his tenure has expired.
Since there was no other candidate earlier, BCCI has extended the deadline for applications but Rahul Dravid remains ahead of everyone to retain the position as well. While speaking to Crictracker, Irfan Pathan applauded Dravid for this to mentor the next pool of players.
Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan, who himself has completed the Level 2 coaching course at NCA, opined: “The best thing that has happened to Indian cricket is Rahul (Dravid) getting associated with NCA. I have a huge amount of respect for him. Rahul bhai has performed his role with utmost sincerity. Look, we know how Rahul Dravid got involved in U19 and India A. But how he gets involved in each and every coach as well in terms of sharing his knowledge, listening from their perspective as well which for a guy of his calibre is a big task.”
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He further added: “But he does it with such ease. That’s why you have huge amount of respect. It doesn’t mater if you have played 1 or 100 first-class games, he gives you same amount of respect.”
On the other hand, ex-cricketers Brad Hogg and Salman Butt also supported the move of the veteran to reapply for the NCA post. However, with this, Rahul Dravid has ended all the speculation of him being the next head coach of the Indian team, replacing Ravi Shastri as well.
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Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan was also asked if he would love to take up a coaching role where the veteran who has represented India in 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is, taking 301 international wickets, said: “Yes, I would love to do that going forward and hopefully it will happen. I understand basic nitty-gritty of technical side of batting, the stance, the head position, the bat flow and other things. I understand basic structure of bowling biomechanics as well. So I like to help out people. Hopefully in future when something comes up, I will definitely take up and would love to help out Indian cricket directly or indirectly.”
