BCCI surfaced a beautiful video on Instagram earlier today, which saw a message from Rahul Dravid for India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir who is taking over the role with the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Gambhir was made to sit in front of a laptop to play a message that he didn’t know came from Dravid.
“Even if it’s difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people,” said Dravid. The message did the unthinkable and made Gambhir smile who is taking over with the responsibility to guide a very successful side, the World Champions. It is surely not going to be an easy job for the former Indian opener but people would expect that a character like Gambhir will come out with flying colours.
“As your team-mate, I saw you giving it your all on the field,” Dravid said to Gambhir. “As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I saw your resilience and refusal to surrender. Across many IPL seasons, I noted your desire to win, your assistance to younger players and your drive to extract the best out of your team on the field.
“I know how dedicated and passionate you are about Indian cricket and I am sure you will bring all these qualities into the new job.”
“As you know, the expectations will be high and the scrutiny will be intense. But even in the worst of times you will never be alone. You will have the support of the players, your support staff, the leaders of the past, the management and never forget for whom you play – for fans who are very demanding but will always be behind the team.”
“I also wish you a little bit of luck, as you know that all of us coaches need to make us look that little bit wiser and smarter than we actually are,” he said.
“From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back. I wish you the very best, Gautam. I am sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights.”
Reacting to Dravid’s message, Gambhir said
“I don’t know how to react because this message means so much to me.” “The reason is not because it comes from the person who I have succeeded but from a person who I have always looked up to when I was playing.
“I have always felt that and I said it in a lot of my interviews – I think the most selfless cricketer I have actually ever played with. Rahul bhai has done anything and everything Indian cricket needed.
Gambhir has massive shoes to fill in and it will all start in Sri Lanka. His one eye will also be on the Champions Trophy which is not too far. India will play Sri Lanka in 3 T20Is followed by 3 ODIs.
