The Greatest Test: Rahul Dravid's Coaching Journey

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-22 09:19:25 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-15 21:58:13

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One of the greatest batsmen in the game, Rahul Dravid's retirement from playing was bittersweet for fans. But the latter half of his career arguably set the stage for a even more impactful one after retirement. Here's how the man himself shares his inspiring journey into coaching:

Rahul Dravid was initially apprehensive about taking up coaching full-time after his illustrious batting career. He weighed the idea of coaching against the opportunity to spend quality time with his family, who had been immensely supportive throughout his playing days. However, a conversation with his idol and cricket legend Kapil Dev motivated him to take up the challenge.

Dravid embarked on his coaching career with a dual role as a mentor with the Rajasthan Royals franchise in the IPL and as the captain of the team. This experience, he believes, prepared him well for the balancing act that comes with being a coach and a captain. The challenge of leading fellow cricketers, some of whom were his seniors, and helping them reach their potential sparked his passion for coaching.

The foundation of his successful coaching career with the Indian national team was his stint with the U-19 team. Dravid reflects on his experience with the young team with great pride, highlighting the achievements and success of many of those players in the senior team. For him, this is one of the most satisfying aspects of his coaching career.

When asked if he has considered taking on a more prominent role with a national team, Dravid emphasizes his love for the Test format and his desire to help younger players navigate the challenges of the longest and, in his view, purest form of the game.

In conclusion, Rahul Dravid's coaching career, inspired by his experiences as a dual-role coach in the IPL and advice from his mentor Kapil Dev, has paved the way for countless young cricketers to succeed on the world stage. His dedication to the game, unwavering even after retirement, makes him a testament to the impact a coach can have on players beyond their playing days.

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