What is next for Rahul Dravid? That is the question on the minds of Indian Cricket Team fans. During his prime, when he was playing for India, Dravid was one of the most compact cricket players and surely one of the modern greats of his era. Because of his subtle nature, extensive knowledge of the game, and inspirational attitude, he stepped into the world of coaching and mentoring. He was successful, leading the under-19 cricket team to a World Cup victory. Now, after a few years with the Indian cricket team, he has led them to a T20 World Cup victory.
People questioned his selection process and methods, but if you look at the way he has guided the team, the changes he brought were all very positive. Picking Rohit Sharma as a skipper, trusting a mix of young talent and mature players, and creating a side where there was an amazing understanding between players of different generations were key moves.
It all looks incredible, and winning the T20 World Cup was not a success that came from one month’s preparation. It was a two-year process. When we saw Axar Patel batting higher up in the IPL, nobody would have guessed why. The message must have been delivered that they might need him in the World Cup when necessary situations arise, and he would have to bat higher in the order. So, he needed practice in that phase.
Bringing Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya Together for World Cup
Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have not been performing well in the IPL, and any coach would feel some concern regarding his captain’s lack of form. Hardik Pandya, who is seen as a match-winner for India, hasn’t been in the right place in terms of his game or his attitude. It’s often said that half of the match is won in the dressing room, emphasizing the importance of team morale and unity.
When Australia scored 434 at the Wanderers long ago, Jacques Kallis mentioned in the dressing room that they were only 15 runs short. This underscores the crucial role of the dressing room, where coaches impart their knowledge and work hard to keep the team together. Managing a team like the Indian cricket team, where 11 players are superstars in their own right, is a challenging task.
Dravid’s legacy is certainly an inspirational one. Under his coaching, India played in the Test Championship Trophy final and the 2023 Cricket World Cup final. Although they missed crucial moments, his impact on the team is undeniable. Dravid also led an unbeaten team throughout the T20 World Cup title run. Now, as he steps down from his role, he is ending his career on a high note.
A big credit goes to Rahul Dravid for nurturing young talent and helping them mature quickly. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rinku Singh have come under his guidance and have become integral parts of the team. Dravid’s influence on these players has been profound, showcasing his ability to develop and mentor emerging talent effectively.
Rahul Dravid Knew What to Get From His Players
Last year’s Cricket World Cup was truly amazing, and while many were questioning his role, India’s performance in the T20 World Cup final was a testament to the team’s capability. Surya Kumar Yadav made one of the most beautiful and decisive catches you’ll ever see in a final, changing the game entirely. Dravid understands a player’s capabilities extend beyond just batting or bowling; it’s also about having a positive and assertive attitude towards the game.
Even if you score zero runs or concede 50 runs in four overs, you can still contribute to the team’s victory. This has been Rahul Dravid’s philosophy: having solid belief in his players and trusting they will do a great job. He once said that just because he didn’t always succeed, it didn’t make him a bad player. You cannot always be at the top, but it’s about using your full potential and capacity to contribute to the team’s success.
Rohit Sharma’s leadership was also questioned because many felt that Virat Kohli, known for his aggressive style, should be the captain. However, Rohit Sharma has led India in the last 19 World Cup matches, winning 18 of them—a remarkable record. Such a feat is rare and speaks volumes about his determination and leadership.
Rohit doesn’t seek to be the center of attention or the star of the team; he likes to give credit to other players. This selfless approach, combined with Rahul Dravid’s leadership, has been so fruitful for India. Both are selfless players who know that winning is more important than being in the spotlight.
Everyone will look back and try to analyze the numbers and statistics to differentiate how Rahul Dravid was different from previous coaches. This obsession with numbers is a tragedy of Indian cricket. People fail to see that a coach is not only responsible for leading the present team but also for creating a better team for the future.
Now, look at India—they already have promising players in the pipeline. Even a second-string Indian team can compete with and beat high-quality teams like South Africa, Australia, and England, and they have done so.
Rahul Dravid is a calm and conservative individual. It is unlikely that he will seek the spotlight again. He might be offered a job to coach an IPL team or he may choose to retreat into his natural state and help young cricketers in the future. Nobody knows for sure, but he has certainly left an indelible mark on the Indian cricket team.
It has progressed rapidly under his guidance, and he will be remembered for making the team a formidable force—a blend of young and experienced players. The most successful, dominant, and invincible team of this generation was India under the coaching of Rahul Dravid. This speaks volumes about his qualities as a coach, his methods, and his love for the Indian cricket team.
