Coach Rahul Dravid holds key in India's World Cup campaign: Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag was part of the India's 2011 World Cup winning squad.

Indian team head coach Rahul Dravid faced severe criticism after India’s crushing defeat in the World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval. Team India played two ICC events under Rahul Dravid in the 2022 T20 World Cup and the WTC Final 2023. India got thrashed in knockout rounds in both tournaments. Rahul will have his next big ICC assignment in October - November at ICC Cricket World Cup.

Former Indian opening batter Virender Sehwag expressed that Rahul Dravid’s role as a coach will have a huge importance in India’s campaign throughout the World Cup event. Comparing him with the role of Gary Kirsten in the 2011 World Cup, Sehwag said that Dravid’s job will be important in determining the practice sessions and other aspects. 

Virender Sehwag bats for Coach Rahul Dravid

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag said, “During our time, Gary Kirsten allowed us to practise 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. So identifying that, will be important for the Indian team management and their staff. So Rahul Dravid will have a big role in identifying these aspects like who would practise how much, who needs a break, and how I can get the best out of my player”. Virender Sehwag was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team under coach Gary Kisten. 

Virender Sehwag also said that a coach’s reputation is on a player's hand when he walks out to bat for the team. Sehwag said, “Once a player steps out onto the pitch, the coach’s reputation is in the player’s hand. If the player performs well, the coach is praised, otherwise, the coach is criticised. We made the WTC Final, the focus is on the loss rather than the accomplishment of reaching the final twice”. Sehwag also batted for Rahul Dravid and said that he is a magnificent coach and he can’t go on to play in the field, it’s the player's job to do well.