Rahul Dravid has been roped in as the new head coach of Team India. As he gets set to take charge of the side during the home series against New Zealand, here's what Rohit Sharma and Sunil Gavaskar had to say.
Team India would now be headed by Rahul Dravid, who would be guiding the side hereon. He is replacing Ravi Shastri, who has had a successful four-year stint and is coaching the team in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, being played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It would be Dravid's first full-time stint as the Indian coach, having driven the side a few months back during the Sri Lanka tour when Shastri and co were in England.
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Following Dravid's appointment, many experts termed it the right decision, besides also terming him a 'viable' choice. Meanwhile, senior Indian opener Rohit Sharma was delighted with the announcement of Dravid taking over the role and said that he and the entire team is eagerly looking forward to working with him.
Meanwhile, legendary former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar also termed Dravid's appointment as the right choice. Speaking to India Today, he said that Dravid's vast experience, along with his work ethic and profound thinking tactic, would prove to be valuable for the side, as Indian cricket can go further ahead under his coaching.
Ahead of Dravid taking up the role, Gavaskar said that the former could start planning based on India's stint in the T20WC, while India's remaining two games in the competition would be vital, which could help him make some decisions. He reckoned that the earlier a new coach is appointed, the better it is for the side.
Following the tournament, India would be taking on New Zealand at home for three T20Is and two Tests from November 17, as Dravid has just 13 days to decide his course of action before beginning his full-time stint. Meanwhile, as he vacates his head coach role at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce his replacement. VVS Laxman or Anil Kumble is the favourite for the position.