Rahul Dravid became India’s head coach after the team was knocked out of T20 World Cup 2021 in the first round. Within six months, Rohit Sharma became India’s all-format captain. Dravid’s tenure as head coach will end with the T20 World Cup 2024. Ahead of India’s campaign opener against Ireland, Rohit got a little emotional while talking about Dravid’s impact in the pre-match press conference. He also revealed that he tried to convince Dravid to stay as India’s head coach.
"I tried convincing him to stay, but obviously there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well. But yeah, I personally enjoyed my time with him.
"I'm sure the rest of the guys will say the same. It's been great working with him. And I'm not going to say anything actually. I'm not going to say anything," said an emotional Rohit on the eve of clash against the Irish at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
Rohit said that Dravid has been his role model. He made his international debut in ODIs under Dravid before playing in the T20 World Cup 2007.
"He was my first international captain when I made my debut in Ireland. Then I've seen him play while I was just coming into the team (for) Test matches when he was captain. And such a big role model for all of us," recalled the Indian skipper ahead of India's World Cup opener against Ireland on Wednesday.
"Growing up, we watched him play and we know what he has achieved, personally as a player and also what he's done for the team over the years. Battling out the team from difficult situations and that is what he's known for," he added.
Dravid on June 3 confirmed that he will not re-apply for the position.
"It is going to be the last one that I am in-charge of. Yeah, just considering, unfortunately, the kind of schedules and where I find myself at this stage in my life, I don't think I'll be able to re-apply. So yeah, obviously it'll be my last one. But having said that, it's (the significance of the tournament is) no different for me," said the former Indian skipper.
"I love doing the job. I've really enjoyed coaching India and I think it's a truly special job to do, and I enjoyed working with this team and it's a great bunch of boys to work with," he added.
Gambhir ready to succeed Dravid
The deadline for applying for the head coach role has passed. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had invited applications for the post. So far, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir is frontrunner for the job so far.
“I have not answered this question, although lot of people have asked me. But I have to answer you now. I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 Crore Indians and those across the globe as well,” Gambhir said at an event in Dubai.
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