Earlier this week, it was revealed that former Indian cricketer, captain and National Cricket Academy head, Rahul Dravid was appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. According to the reports, ‘The Wall’ will be taking over the role while replacing Ravi Shastri as soon as the T20 World Cup 2021 concludes.

Dravid’s first assignment as the head of the coaching staff would be the bilateral series between India and New Zealand on home turn when the Black Caps visit us for three T20Is and two Test matches.

While most of the fans are overjoyed with the fact that Dravid has finally agreed to become the head coach, and that there is little to no doubt that the team will flourish under his command, a former Indian cricketer has raised an important point.

Ajay Jadeja has asked whether the head coach or the selectors would hold the power to appoint the next captain of the squad in the shortest format of the game as Virat Kohli will be stepping down from the role in order to focus on his duties as a batter and also to manage his workload.

“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 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,” Jadeja told Cricbuzz.

“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.

Dravid has done a phenomenal job improving the quality of young cricketers that the senior Indian side has had the privilege of picking players out of in times of extreme urgency. He was a great coach for the India A and the U-19 teams and worked hard on making the NCA a respectable institution once again. Hence, the former cricketer deserves all the authority that he needs to work his magic with the senior side as well.

View the full article