Following India's spectacular series win over New Zealand at Eden Gardens on Sunday (November 21), former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir took a jibe at former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri by giving an example of his successor, Rahul Dravid. Gambhir slammed Shastri's common statement of terming "team as a no.1" after every series win, claiming that others should tag “India as a no.1 team" rather than ourselves.
"One thing that astonished me is that when you play well, you don't brag about it; instead, everyone should compliment your team. No one said we were the best side in the world when we won the 2011 World Cup," Gambhir told Times Now.
Furthermore, the southpaw indirectly advised Shastri that he should learn from Dravid.
"Let others talk about it if you win." You triumphed in Australia, which is unquestionably a significant accomplishment. You performed admirably in England, as seen by your performance, but let others praise you. Rahul Dravid will not make such claims (we are number one). His statement will always be balanced, regardless of whether India performs well or poorly," the former opener suggested.
“Dravid’s entire focus will be to make players a human first, whether you play good or bad, kindness is very important,” the 40-year-old added.
In the very first assignment of Dravid as permanent head coach, India thrashed New Zealand by 3-0 in the T20I series. Earlier, Dravid had done wonders with India’s U 19 and A squads as well. The change in India’s fortune and style of play is a clear indication that former India’s number three is eyeing the next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
