Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting wants Rahul Dravid to be the next coach of India. Ponting believes there is no better candidate than Rahul Dravid to take up the coaching role of Team India.

Earlier former Test batsman Sunil Gavaskar had backed Dravid to assume India’s coaching role that will be vacated after Champions Trophy. BCCI is advertising for India’s coach and Kumble’s name is automatically short-listed.

“I don”t think BCCI will find many better candidates than someone like him [Dravid]. If he”s interested in doing the job, he will do a good job. He”s got a lot of knowledge, is very experienced and understands all three formats,” Ponting said.

Coaching role is no mystery for Rahul as he has done it for India U-19 as well as India A sides. He has also mentored Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils in IPL. Under him India has found some gem of young talents like Sanju Samson and Karun Nair. The success of Ajinkya Rahane at test level can be attributed to Rahul Dravid as he has spent a lot of time with him.

A calm mind, faith in players and ability to get the best out of youngsters is what separates him from other coaches. There is no surprise why so many former cricketers and cricket experts want him as coach of India.

Even though Indian team was not tested in ferocious conditions on foreign soil under Kumble’s little stint as coach, it can be said he did a fantastic job with Indian team. Under his coaching India lost only one series across all formats.

That was the T20I series vs West Indies in USA where India lost the first T20I by 1 run and second one was washed out because of rain. India won 10 out of 13 tests in grand home season and also won a series in Caribbean 2-0 last August under Kumble’s tenure.

With another tough couple of seasons approaching where India will tour South Africa this November and play 5 tests against England in July 2018 and the 2019 World Cup, Dravid has his tasks cut out if he is to take over the reins.

– by Atharva Apte