Gautam Gambhir, the new Head Coach of Team India, received a heartfelt message from Rahul Dravid, the former coach he is succeeding. In this touching video message, Dravid reflects on the joy and success he experienced while leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Crack a Smile
In a video released by the BCCI, Rahul Dravid offered words of wisdom to Gautam Gambhir, who is stepping into the challenging role of head coach. The first T20 against Sri Lanka today will be Gambhir’s initial test.
“Hello, Gautam, and welcome to the most exciting job in our world as coach of the Indian cricket team… I also wish you a little bit of luck. As you know, all of us coaches need to make us look a little bit wiser and smarter than we actually are,” Dravid stated in the video.
Dravid, sharing his experiences, said, “As your teammate, I saw you giving it your all on the field. As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I saw your resilience and your refusal to surrender. Across many IPL seasons, I noted your desire to win, your assistance to work with younger players, and your drive to extract the best out of your team on the field.”
Dravid also gave his successor a final piece of advice, urging him to remain calm and smile even during the toughest moments. He said, “From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back, and even if it’s difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people. I wish you the very best, Gautam, and I’m sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights.”
Gautam Gambhir Reacts to Rahul Dravid’s Farewell Message
Gambhir admitted he was unsure how to respond to Dravid’s message, which came from someone he deeply admires and respects as the most selfless player he has known. The new head coach expressed his desire to make ‘Rahul bhai’ proud and acknowledged the valuable lessons he has learned from Dravid.
“Look, I don’t know how to react because this message means so much to me. And the reason is not because it comes from the person who I’ve succeeded now or taking over from, but from a person who I’ve always looked up to when I was playing. I’ve always felt that thing. And I said it in a lot of my interviews. I think the most selfless cricketer I’ve actually ever played with, Rahul Bhai has done anything and everything that Indian cricket needed. So I think there is so much to learn from, not only for me but for the next generation and for the current generation as well, that is how important Indian cricket is.
“Not me, not individuals, but what Indian cricket is. I feel, I think, I don’t get too much emotional normally, but I think this message actually made me a lot emotional, which normally I assume, but it’s a great message. Hopefully, I can… It’s a massive shoe to fill. Hopefully, I can do it with absolute honesty, and transparency, and hopefully, I can make the entire nation, and more importantly, the person who I’ve always looked up to, Rahul Bhai Proud.”
Gautam Gambhir’s emotional response to Rahul Dravid’s message highlights the deep respect and admiration between these cricketing legends. As Gambhir steps into his new role, he carries forward Dravid’s legacy with a commitment to honesty, transparency, and a relentless drive to elevate Indian cricket. Fans and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting to see how Gambhir will lead Team India in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Stay tuned for more updates and show your support for the Indian cricket team as they embark on this new journey.
