Ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka, former Indian captain Rahul Dravid’s special recorded message to Gautam Gambhir, who took over as the head coach of the Indian cricket team on July 9, left the Indian cricket world emotional.
This emotional message from Rahul Dravid left Gambhir, whose coaching career ended with the end of Dravid’s tenure, in deep emotions.
Dravid, who rendered his selfless services to Indian cricket, is now desperate to see Gambhir as the new coach of the Indian cricket team.
Rahul Dravid’s message:
Rahul Dravid, in a video message, welcomed Gautam Gambhir as the coach of the Indian cricket team. He said,
“Hello, Gautam, and welcome to our world’s most exciting job as the coach of the Indian cricket team. It’s been three weeks since I ended my stint with the Indian team in a way that was beyond my wildest dreams, both in Barbados and then a few days later on that unforgettable evening in Mumbai.
More than anything else, I will cherish the memories and friendships I have made during my time with the team. As soon as you take over as India coach, I will wish the same for you. I also hope that there will be fully fit players in each of your teams. Good luck for that.
“As you know, all of us coaches need to make ourselves look a bit wiser and smarter than we actually are,” Dravid said. As your partner, I have seen you give your best on the field. As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I have seen your tenacity and your never-say-die attitude. Over many IPL seasons, I have seen your will to win, your assistance in working with the younger players and your desire to get the best out of your team on the field, “he said.
“I know how dedicated and passionate you are about Indian cricket, and I am sure you will bring all these qualities to this new job as well,”
As you know, expectations will be high and there will be much scrutiny. But even in the worst of times, you’ll never be alone. You will get the support of the players, your support staff, the past leaders, the management, and you will never forget who you play for, the fans who are very demanding but will always stand behind the team.
Dravid concluded: “From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. At the hottest time, exhale, take a step back, and even if it’s difficult for you, smile. Whatever it is, it will shock people. I wish you all the best, Gautam, and I am sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights, “he added.
Gautam Gambhir’s thoughts:
This last special message from Rahul Dravid made Gautam Gambhir emotional. Gambhir said in a video shared by the BCCI on social media.
“I don’t know how to react because this message means a lot to me. The reason for that is not because it came from the person I have now brought success to, but from a person I have always looked up to while playing.”
Gambhir saw Dravid’s message as a personal compliment and considered it an inspiration. “Rahul Dravid’s words will always be an inspiration for me. The time spent with him and his advice will always be my guide. I will try my best to live up to their expectations and take Indian cricket to new heights.”
Upcoming matches and challenges:
Gambhir’s first test of coaching will be against Sri Lanka on Saturday (July 27), this first match against Sri Lanka will be a big challenge.
Under Dravid’s guidance, Indian cricket has seen many successes, and expectations from Gambhir are also high. This particular message not only made Gambhir emotional but also made the entire cricketing world teary-eyed.
