As the Indian cricket team embarks on a new chapter under their newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, the former coach, Rahul Dravid, has extended a heartfelt message to his successor. With the white-ball series against Sri Lanka starting on July 27, 2024, anticipation is high for the new coaching era.ย Gautam Gambhir steps into the role following Rahul Dravid’s successful tenure, which concluded on a high note with a T20 World Cup 2024 victory.
Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India clinched the title by defeating South Africa in the final held in Barbados, marking a triumphant end to Dravid’s period as coach. Rahul Dravid conveyed his best wishes to Gautam Gambhir as he began his coaching duties with the team’s first practice session ahead of the T20I series against Sri Lanka. In a video shared by the BCCI on its social media platforms, Dravid congratulated Gambhir and reminisced about his time with the Indian team, highlighting unforgettable moments from India’s recent T20 World Cup win.
“Hello, Gautam, and welcome to the most exciting job in our world as coach of the Indian cricket team. It’s been three weeks since I ended my stint with the Indian team in a manner that was beyond my dreams, both in Barbados and then a few days later in that unforgettable evening in Mumbai. More than anything else, I will treasure the memories and friendships I made in my time with the squad. As you take over the role of India coach, it is what I wish for you as well,” Rahul Dravid said.
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He continued, “I also hope that you have the availability of fully fit players in every squad. Good luck with that. I also wish you that little bit of luck, as you know that all of us coaches need to make us look that little bit wiser and smarter than we actually are. As your teammate, I saw you giving it your all on the field. As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I saw your resilience and your refusal to surrender.”
Rahul Dravid also prepared Gautam Gambhir for the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledged that there will be intense scrutiny but reassured him that the team, staff, and millions of fans would always stand by Indian cricket.
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ & ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ! ๐
To,
Gautam Gambhir โFrom,
Rahul Dravid ๐#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @GautamGambhir pic.twitter.com/k33X5GKHm0โ BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2024
“As you know, the expectations will be high and the scrutiny will be intense, but even in the worst of times, you will never be alone. You will have the support of the players, your support staff, the leaders of the past, the management, and never forget for whom you play. For the fans who are very demanding but will always be behind the team,” he continued.
Dravid’s message concluded with a piece of advice for handling the pressures of the job. “From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing! 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. I wish you the very best, Gautam, and I’m sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights,” Dravid added.
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Gambhir’s reaction to Dravid’s message was heartfelt and emotional. He expressed profound respect for Dravid, describing him as the most selfless cricketer he had ever played with. Gautam Gambhir acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with the role.
“Look, I don’t know how to react because this message means so much to me, and the reason is not just because it comes from the person who I have succeeded now or am taking over from, but from a person who I’ve always looked up to when I was playing. I think the most selfless cricketer I’ve ever actually played with is Rahul [Dravid] bhai, who has done anything and everything Indian cricket needed of him. So, I think there is so much to learn from,” Gautam Gambhir concluded.
This transition marks an important milestone for the Indian cricket team, with Gambhir stepping into the shoes of a revered predecessor. Fans and players alike are eager to see how this new coaching era will unfold, starting with the series against Sri Lanka. The mutual respect and admiration between Gambhir and Dravid set a positive tone for what lies ahead in Indian cricket.
