The Indian Cricket Team is undergoing a massive transformation with Rahul Dravid taking over as the new head coach and Rohit Sharma’s appointment as captain of both the ODI and T20 teams.
The Rohit-Dravid duo began their journey in a three-match T20I series against New Zealand at home last month in which the Men in Blue whitewashed the visitors 3-0. Sharma was awarded the Man of the Series award for his performances with the bat in the series.
Rohit has opened up on Dravid’s impact on the team and suggested that Dravid’s hard-working persona will reflect on the team. Talking on Boria Majumdar’s show, ‘Backstage with Boria’, Rohit said, “Rahul Bhai was a brilliant cricketer, we all know that without a doubt. We all know how he has played his cricket. He himself has come out and said on so many occasions that he was not so talented. He had to work so hard to get where he is today. I think that is going to reflect on this team as well.”
Rohit also asserted that under Dravid’s guidance there is a ‘process’ and ‘structure’ in place within the team which would help player have more clarity. Rohit said, “Making sure that we work hard as a team. That nothing is given on a platter to anyone. He will make you work hard. Obviously, when you do that, when you enjoy that process, you feel good about it. Because there is a process that has been put in place.”
“And there is a structure as well. So people will enjoy that. Guys that are coming in, going out. They will have so much clarity about why they were out of the team, why they came into the team and all that. That is something that he will be able to create,” he added.
The five-time IPL winning captain also claimed that Dravid has had individual conversations with every player about their role in the team. “If I’m not wrong, he’s gone personally to each one of us and spoken about what they feel about themselves and what sort of role they look for in this team and what they have to offer, which position will be their best position to bat, etc. Same with the bowlers as well,” said Rohit.
He added, “He has gone personally and spoken to each one of us. Just to understand us. Obviously he’s been working with India A and India U-19s and he was the NCA head. So he knows each player in and out. It’s not like he doesn’t know anyone. He has that bond with everyone, now it’s just about taking that forward and taking it to the next level.”
With a T20 World Cup coming up in 2022 and a 50-over World Cup in 2023 on home soil, the Rohit-Dravid partnership has a big job ahead of themselves as India aim to end their ICC trophy drought
