In a recent interview with BCCI.tv, Team India’s outgoing coach Rahul Dravid shared insights into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing his focus on supporting the captain’s vision, fostering a secure team environment, and his relationships with key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Embracing the Captain’s Vision
Rahul Dravid revealed that his primary role as a coach is to help the captain realize his vision for the team. “As a coach, my job is to help the captain deliver his vision, his philosophy of how he wants the team to play,” Dravid explained. While acknowledging the importance of results in cricket, Dravid stressed that he values the process and development of players over the scoreboard.
Reflecting on Results
Dravid believes that results are a product of various factors, including player rotation and team dynamics. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance despite frequent changes in the lineup over the past months. “Results are important. I am in a business that runs on results. However, the kind of results we got, given the player rotations, have given me more satisfaction,” he noted.
Building Bonds with Players
Dravid shared his admiration for Rohit Sharma, highlighting his growth from a young player to a seasoned leader. “I have really enjoyed working with Rohit. Just to see him grow as a person and a leader in Indian cricket has been a real tribute to him,” Dravid said.
Regarding his bond with Virat Kohli, Dravid praised Kohli’s relentless desire to improve. “His desire to get better is fascinating to watch,” he remarked.
Coaching Philosophy
Dravid’s coaching philosophy centers around creating a safe and supportive environment for players, free from the fear of failure. “Coaching is about building connections with people and creating the right environment that allows for success,” he explained. Dravid believes in stability and continuity, avoiding frequent changes to foster a positive atmosphere.
“The vision is to win cricket games. But for me, the vision was to get the process right. How do you challenge the players enough? How do you practice enough, prepare well tactically and technically? Are we supporting the players in the right way? These are the things I wanted to tick before going on to the winning. Hopefully, if we do most of these things, winning will take care of itself,” Dravid elaborated.
Navigating the Post-COVID Era
Dravid acknowledged the challenges posed by the packed cricketing calendar in the post-COVID era, which, in turn, provided opportunities for many young talents. “We had to manage players’ workload across different formats. There were times we actually had two teams playing in different parts of the world,” he recalled. This scenario allowed Dravid to give opportunities to many young players, helping them adapt quickly to international cricket.
Reflecting on the selection challenges, Dravid admitted, “The hardest thing is that there are so many good young players and to decide which of them will play all three formats regularly. It is one of the toughest decisions I had to make.”
Conclusion
Rahul Dravid’s tenure as Team India’s coach has been marked by his dedication to creating a supportive environment and prioritizing the captain’s vision. His emphasis on process over results, building strong player relationships, and navigating the complexities of the post-COVID cricketing world have shaped his coaching journey. As he concludes his time with the team, Dravid leaves behind a legacy of thoughtful leadership and commitment to the holistic development of Indian cricket.