Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to support newly appointed Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid’s vision in the coming years instead of telling him ‘how to run the team.’
Incidentally, the BCCI on Wednesday confirmed the former India skipper as Ravi Shastri’s successor.
Dravid will take over the baton from Shastri after the end of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Ajay Jadeja remarked that Dravid is a ‘role model of discipline and dedication’ and should be given a free hand in running the team.
‘If there’s a role model of discipline and dedication, it’s Rahul Dravid. You want a lot of things from a coach but discipline and dedication are probably the two prime things. It will be interesting to see who will make the next T20 captain – Rahul Dravid or [the selectors]. There’s no doubt in his individual praise but when someone becomes an Indian coach, if you don’t let him work or don’t use his vision then it’s all redundant, anyone can be a coach in that way,’ Ajay Jadeja said.
‘So if you have brought Rahul Dravid, the biggest name, then at least go with his vision. This is my request to the board… If a man like Rahul Dravid has joined then please, please move alongside his vision, understanding and dedication, don’t tell him how to run the team,’ he added.
He is the best man for this job – Virender Sehwag on Rahul Dravid
Former teammate Virender Sehwag also lauded Rahul Dravid, calling him the most suitable candidate for the job. Sehwag noted how Dravid used to adjust with the players of Under-19 and ‘A’ teams and said the same quality will help improve India’s run in ICC tournaments.
‘He’s the best man for the job. He has spent so many years preparing the Under-19 and India ‘A’ players. What he can contribute to this Indian team, I don’t think anyone else can. What I like about him a lot is when he’s with the Under-19 and India ‘A’ players, he thinks and talks like them. He doesn’t think he’s the Rahul Dravid or has played so much cricket, he thinks at their level. That’s what will be his benefit in this Indian team. He’ll think like them, analyze what can be done to improve their performance in ICC tournaments,’ Sehwag added.
Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid’s first full-time assignment will be against New Zealand, starting November 17.
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