‘Expectations Will Be High’ – Rahul Dravid Shares Emotional Message with Gautam Gambhir Ahead of Sri Lanka Series
Rahul Dravid recorded a special message for Gautam Gambhir.
The former head coach of the Indian cricket team, Rahul Dravid, shared a special message for Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the team, who will be serving his tenure for the upcoming three and a half years.
Rahul Dravid ended his tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team on a high note, as India won the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados under his guidance. Gambhir was appointed as the head coach on July 9.
The ongoing Sri Lanka tour of India is the first assignment for Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. His tenure will start on July 27 when India will face Sri Lanka in the first T20 international at the Pallekele Stadium.
Just before Gautam Gambhir starts his tenure, Rahul Dravid shared a special, emotional message for his teammate. Here is what he said in the message:
“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 during 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.
“I also wish you that little bit of luck. As you know, all of us coaches need that 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 willingness to work with younger players, and your drive to extract the best out of your team on the field,” Dravid said.
“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.
After listening to the message, Gautam Gambhir thanked Rahul Dravid and stated that, although he is not an emotional guy, he got emotional after listening to Rahul Dravid’s message. He also opened up on how he felt while playing alongside him during their playing days and called Rahul Dravid the most selfless cricketer he had ever seen.
