Gautam Gambhir Criticizes Rohit Sharma’s Controversial Statement About Rahul Dravid

India’s loss in the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 has sparked speculation about the future of Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. The team’s wait for an ICC title continues, with their last triumph occurring when MS Dhoni was still the captain. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who was a member of the victorious teams in the 2007 T20 Cricket World Cup and the 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup, believes that Dravid should be given an extension as the coach.

Gambhir expressed his opinion, stating, “The way India played in the World Cup, his contract should be renewed automatically. It’s unfair to judge a coach based on just one match. Every player and coach wants to win the World Cup for the team. So, if he wants to continue, there can be nothing better than continuity.” However, Gambhir also criticized the notion of winning the World Cup for an individual, emphasizing that the focus should be on winning it for the entire country.

Prior to the Cricket World Cup final, Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised Dravid’s support during difficult times, particularly in the T20 World Cup. He expressed Dravid’s desire to be a part of the team’s success, saying, “It’s for us to do it for him.” Gambhir agreed with Sharma’s sentiments and advocated for a two-year extension for Dravid’s coaching contract, citing the impending rebuilding phase for the Indian team.

Gambhir believes that Dravid has done an excellent job as the coach and emphasized the need for stability as India prepares for future tournaments. He acknowledged that key players like Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami may not be part of the next World Cup squad, making it essential to build a strong team for the upcoming 50-over World Cup.

In conclusion, there is a growing consensus that Rahul Dravid should continue as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Despite their recent disappointment in the ODI World Cup, many believe that Dravid’s coaching credentials and his ability to support the players during challenging times warrant an extension. The focus now shifts towards building a team capable of achieving success in future tournaments.