Kaif’s Remarks on Dravid’s Coaching Tenure
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 2 (ANI): Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif lauds the efforts of current Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, particularly highlighting his impact during the 50-over World Cup last year, where India reached the finals.
Kaif’s observations come amidst speculations surrounding Dravid’s coaching tenure, set to conclude after the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is already in pursuit of the next head coach until 2027, aligning with the upcoming 50-over World Cup.
Speaking exclusively to ANI, Kaif remarked, “This will be decided by BCCI, this is a very long process. Rahul Dravid did a good job. India reached the 2023 World Cup final, winning 10 consecutive matches and losing only one game. So Rahul has done well for India as a coach.”
Dravid’s Coaching Journey and India’s Ambitions
Dravid assumed the role of Indian head coach in November 2021, overseeing notable victories including the Asia Cup title in 2023. Despite notable achievements, the team under his guidance fell short in securing a major ICC trophy, facing setbacks in crucial tournaments.
However, with the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, the Men in Blue aim to clinch victory and break their decade-long drought of major trophies.
India’s T20 World Cup Campaign and Squad Overview
India kicks off their T20 World Cup journey on June 5 against Ireland at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is slated for June 9, followed by matches against tournament co-hosts USA (June 12) and Canada (June 15) to conclude their Group A fixtures.
The team’s aspirations include ending their ICC trophy drought, having last lifted the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. As they aim for T20 World Cup glory, India seeks to replicate their success from the inaugural edition in 2007.
India Squad:
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Vice-Captain: Hardik Pandya
- Players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj
Reserves:
- Shubman Gill
- Rinku Singh
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Avesh Khan.
