Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer and part of the 2007 T20 Cricket World Cup and 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup-winning teams, expressed that Rahul Dravid deserves an extension as the head coach.
Over a week has passed since the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team’s defeat in the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, prolonging India’s quest for an ICC title.
The speculation surrounding the team getting a new head coach has grown after this recent loss. Rahul Dravid’s current stint as the Indian cricket team head coach has concluded, and the question now lingers about whether he will seek an extension.
Former Indian cricket team opener Gautam Gambhir, who was part of India’s victorious campaigns in the 2007 T20 Cricket World Cup and 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup, expressed his belief that Rahul Dravid deserves an extension as head coach. However, he also made an additional comment.
“The way India have played in the World Cup, his contract should be renewed automatically. It will be very bad if you judge a coach by just one match. Whatever is with the players, it’s the same for the coach.”
“Every player. every coach wants to win the World Cup for the team. So, if he wants to renew…there can be nothing better than continuity,” Gautam Gambhir said on Sportskeeda.
“However, I want to add one thing. I never understood one thing. It happened during our time in 2011 too. When you say that you want to win the World Cup an individual, doesn’t matter who that is… this statement is not right.”
“You are trying to win the World Cup for the entire country. And if you want to say such a thing then don’t say it in the media. Keep it within yourself. The truth is, it is more important to win a World Cup for the nation.”
“I was asked the same in 2011 when everyone said we were trying to win the World Cup for one individual, I said no I want to win the Cup for my country. I picked up the bat for my country. So Rohit probably shouldn’t have said this.”
Before the Cricket World Cup final, Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, had mentioned:
“The way he stood by the players in difficult times especially during the T20 World Cup, where we had a good run up until that semifinal, where we lost.”
“How he reacted to certain situations and informing the players was helpful. He wants to be part of this big occasion, and it’s for us to do it for him.”
Gautam Gambhir suggested extending Rahul Dravid’s contract as the coach of the Indian cricket team by two years.
“But as far as Dravid’s coaching credentials are concerned, he should be definitely given an extension if he wants to continue. I am very happy with his tenure.”
“And not just for a year but at least two years because India will enter a rebuilding phase soon. You might not see Rohit Sharma, Bumrah and Shami in the next World Cup. So it’s important to build towards the 50 over World Cup,” he added.
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