The upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup presents a crucial challenge for the Indian cricket team. Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, in a recent interview, emphasized the critical role that the team’s coach, Rahul Dravid, will play in this significant tournament.
India has a demanding schedule, set to compete at nine different venues, more than any other participating team. Dravid’s role, under such circumstances, will be paramount, comparable to Gary Kirsten’s crucial contribution during India’s triumphant 2011 World Cup run.
During that victorious campaign, Kirsten implemented a unique approach, allowing players to practice according to their preferences. This tactic, as Sehwag pointed out in his comments quoted by India Today, was successful and might need emulation by Dravid. He argued that the responsibility lies on Dravid to determine critical aspects like adequate practice lengths and necessary breaks for players to optimize team performance.
Virender Sehwag explained, “During our time, Gary Kirsten allowed us to practice in the way we wanted. It is not necessary for Virender Sehwag to mimic Sachin Tendulkar‘s batting style and face a large number of deliveries.” He added, “So Rahul Dravid will have a big role in identifying these aspects like who should practice how much, who needs breaks and how I can get the best out of my players.”
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Virender Sehwag heaps praise on Rahul Dravid
Furthermore, Virender Sehwag reflected on the broader theme of the relationship between coaches and their teams. In his view, a coach’s reputation is often tethered to the performances of the players. He mentioned that despite India’s commendable feat of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final, the focus was predominantly on the loss rather than the achievement.
Sehwag argued that players have the power to shape a coach’s destiny, as illustrated by Kirsten’s enhanced reputation following India’s 2011 World Cup victory. “Once a player steps onto the pitch, the coach’s reputation is in the player’s hands. If the player performs well, then Dravid will be praised,” he asserted.
Ultimately, Sehwag underlined that the coach can provide the guidance and framework, but it’s the players’ execution that determines the outcome. As India approaches the 2023 World Cup, the country waits in anticipation, hoping that Dravid’s guidance and the team’s performance can combine to recreate the glory of 2011.
