(Source: Poll of Polls)
Gautam Gambhir Gets Emotional Seeing Rahul Dravid's Heartfelt Message For New Team India Head Coach
As Gautam Gambhir prepares to embark on his new role as Team India Head Coach, he receives a heartfelt message from his predecessor, former India coach Rahul Dravid. WATCH VIDEO
Just as Gautam Gambhir gears up to set off on a new journey as the new Team India Head Coach, he receives an emotional message from his predecessor, ex-India coach Rahul Dravid. Gautam Gambhir will coach the Men in Blue for the first time in the India vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I of the three-match series on July 27 (Saturday) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.
On the same day that Gambhir will embark on a new chapter in his and Team India's cricketing journey, he received a message from his predecessor.
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Dravid Wishes Gambhir Good Luck Ahead Of His Coaching Stint With Team India
Rahul Dravid, in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Dravid shared his learnings, lessons and expectations for the man stepping into his shoes.
"Hello, Gautam, and welcome to the most exciting job in our world as coach of the Indian cricket team. It's been three weeks since I ended my stint with the Indian team in a manner that was beyond my dreams, both in Barbados, and then a few days later on that unforgettable evening in Mumbai. More than anything else, I will treasure the memories and friendships I made in my time with the squad. As you take over the role of India Coach, it is what I wish for you as well. I also hope that you'll have the availability of fully fit players in every squad. Good luck with that,” says Dravid in the video.
"I also wish you that little bit of luck. As you know, that all of us coaches need to make us look a little bit wiser and smarter than we actually are. 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 adds in the video.
Watch the video posted by the BCCI here:
𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 & 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲! 📝
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2024
To,
Gautam Gambhir ✉
From,
Rahul Dravid 🔊#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @GautamGambhir pic.twitter.com/k33X5GKHm0
Dravid Expects Gambhir To Take Indian Cricket To ‘Even Greater Heights’
Dravid expresses confidence in Gambhir's dedication and passion for Indian cricket. He acknowledges the high expectations and intense scrutiny Gambhir will face but assures him of support from players, staff, past leaders, and fans. Dravid advises Gambhir to take a step back and smile during challenging times, concluding with best wishes for Gambhir to lead the Indian team to new heights.
"I know how dedicated and passionate you are about Indian cricket, and I'm sure you will bring all these qualities into this new job. As you know, the expectations will be high and the scrutiny will be intense. But even in the worst of times, you will never be alone. You will have the support of the players, your support staff, the leaders of the past, the management, and never forget for whom you play, for the fans who are very demanding but will always be behind the team.
"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," Dravid concluded.
Dravid’s Heartfelt Message Leaves Gambhir Emotional
Gautam Gambhir, visibly moved by Rahul Dravid's message, expresses his deep emotions and respect. He describes Dravid as a selfless cricketer who has greatly contributed to Indian cricket and someone he has always admired.
"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 what 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 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 shouldn't, but it's a great message. Hopefully, I can... It's a massive shoes to fill. Hopefully, I can do it with absolute honesty, transparency, and hopefully, I can make the entire nation, and more importantly, the person who I've always looked up to, Rahul Bhai Proud," he said.