An Open Letter: Missing Rahul Dravid As Coach

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The Indian cricket team is going through a rough patch. Many fans and experts believe one big reason? The absence of Rahul Dravid as head coach. Gautam Gambhir, who took over after Dravid, is facing heat following India’s 3-1 loss in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Dravid’s time as head coach was filled with achievements, and his leadership is being sorely missed now.

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Rahul Dravid’s Golden Era

Remember Rahul Dravid? Of course, you do. He turned 52 on January 11, 2025, and his coaching stint was legendary.

• Win percentage: 71.5% (103 wins out of 144 matches).
• Major wins: Dravid led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup win, ending a decade-long ICC trophy drought. 
• Finals appearances: Under his leadership, India reached the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) and the 2023 ODI World Cup.

In short? He delivered results when it mattered most.

Struggles Under Gautam Gambhir

Now, let’s talk about the present. Since Gambhir took over, things haven’t been smooth. Here’s a quick look:

• • 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home. 
  • Failed to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 
  • Missed out on the 2025 WTC final.

These setbacks have left fans wondering: Is Gambhir the right man for the job?

Why Dravid’s Absence Hurts

Handling the Transition Phase
Transitioning a cricket team is like steering a large ship—it takes time and skill. Dravid had both. He managed young talent brilliantly during his U-19 and India A coaching days. This experience helped him guide the senior team during a crucial transition.
Gambhir? He’s struggled to keep the ship steady. The result? Inconsistency and chaos.

Stability in Selection
Ever noticed how Dravid stuck with his players? He believed in giving them a fair run, which built confidence and trust.
Gambhir, on the other hand, has made some puzzling selection choices. Constant changes in the playing XI have hurt team morale and performance.

Coach-Captain Bond
A solid coach-captain partnership can make or break a team. Dravid and Rohit Sharma shared a great working relationship. They were always on the same page.
But with Gambhir, reports of disagreements with Rohit Sharma have surfaced. This disconnect could be impacting the team’s on-field performance.

Lessons Gambhir Can Learn from Dravid

Player Development: 

Dravid focused on nurturing young talent. Gambhir should do the same to build a strong pipeline for the future.

Consistency in Strategy: Frequent changes disrupt the team’s flow. Gambhir needs to bring stability to team selection.

Building Trust: Trust is the glue that holds a team together. Gambhir must work on creating a supportive environment where players feel valued.

Conclusion

The current struggles of the Indian cricket team highlight how much Rahul Dravid’s steady hand is missed. He excelled at managing transitions, ensuring stability, and fostering a winning culture. Gautam Gambhir may be facing tough times, but if he takes a leaf out of Dravid’s playbook, there’s hope. The road ahead isn’t easy, but with the right approach, India can rise again.

Also Read: Varun Aaron Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket

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