Cricket News

Rahul Dravid cracks up with self-roasting joke about coaching son Samit

Rahul Dravid, the name evokes memories of a bygone era in Indian cricket, a time of grit, resilience, and the unflinching spirit of a man nicknamed “The Wall.” But Dravid’s story isn’t confined to the past. The man who once anchored the Indian batting order with unwavering determination is now shaping the future of the sport as a coach, and his impact is just as profound.

As a player, Dravid’s statistics speak for themselves- over 24,000 international runs, countless records, and a reputation for unwavering concentration. He was the glue that held the Indian batting order together, his resolute presence calming the stormiest of cricketing battles. His Test match average of 52.31 stands as a testament to his technical mastery and mental fortitude. But Dravid’s contribution transcends mere numbers. He embodied the spirit of a new India, a team no longer content with just surviving overseas, but one daring to compete and conquer. His role in many of India’s historic triumphs remains etched in cricketing folklore.

Retirement didn’t spell the end of Dravid’s influence. He took on the mantle of coach, first nurturing young talent at the National Cricket Academy and then graduating to lead the India Under-19 and India A teams.

In 2021, the biggest challenge arrived- the head coach of the senior Indian men’s team. Expectations were sky-high, the spotlight blinding. Yet, Dravid, true to himself, didn’t shy away. He built a team based on discipline, technical soundness, and a hunger for success.

While trophies haven’t yet flowed freely, the progress under Dravid has been undeniable. The Test team, under his tutelage, reached the World Test Championship final, a testament to their newfound solidity. The ODI team, too, flourished, finishing runners-up at the 2023 World Cup. Even in the shorter formats, Dravid’s focus on building a complete team is evident. Rahul Dravid, the player, was a legend. Rahul Dravid, the coach, is building a legacy. His journey is far from over, and Indian cricket stands to benefit from his wisdom and dedication for years to come.

I don’t try to coach him: Rahul Dravid

Not many know that Rahul Dravid’s son, Samit has been in the news lately for his outstanding batting in the domestic arena. Representing Karnataka, Samit has done extremely well in many tournaments, including the prestigious Cooch Behar Trophy. Ahead of the 1st t20 between India and Afghanistan, Rahul Dravid was invited by the official broadcasters (JioCinema) for a short conversation while the teams were warming up. While they were talking about his journey coaching India, Suresh Raina asked Dravid how he coaches his son Samit.

Dravid replied by saying that he doesn’t try to coach his son as he hasn’t been able to strike a balance between being India’s head coach and a parent. In what was a moment that had everyone in splits, he said that while he tries being a parent, he has no clue what he ends up doing.

“I don’t try to coach Samit (laughs). I have stopped doing that. It’s difficult to be a parent as well as a coach. So I try to be a parent, but even there I don’t know how I am doing,” he said.