"Nothing Better Than Continuity": Gautam Gambhir Calls For Rahul Dravid's Contract Renewal

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir talked about the extension of Rahul Dravid’s contract as the head coach of the team. Gambhir said that his contract should definitely be renewed as one loss can’t define his tenure as the coach of the team. 

One of the major talking points in Indian cricket has been the tenure of Rahul Dravid as a head coach. The former Indian skipper’s contract came to an end following the conclusion of the ICC World Cup 2023. He joined the team two years back when then BCCI President Sourav Ganguly brought him into the picture. 

So far there has been no update about his future and on top of that VVS Laxman is coaching the team in the ongoing T20I series against Australia. Laxman notably has taken over the charge quite a few times when Dravid has been rested owing to the hectic schedule. 

Rahul Dravid as a coach of Team India has faced some heartbreaking losses. Under him, India lost to Australia in the ICC WTC Final and recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023 Final. But with the brand of cricket team played under him many have urged him to take up the new contract. 

Gautam Gambhir is the latest to join the bandwagon. He suggested that Rahul Dravid’s contract should be renewed, considering the way the Indian team performed in the World Cup 2023. He added that the Indian coach should get a two-year extension as the team is in the rebuilding phase. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he explained: 

“If you are talking about the World Cup, considering the way India have performed, his contract should definitely be renewed. It is not right to brand a coach as good or bad based on one loss. Just like players, every coach also wants to win the World Cup for his team. 

“If he wants to renew it, he should get at least a two-year extension because India will go into a rebuilding phase. We might not see Rohit, [Jasprit] Bumrah, Shami in the next World Cup. There is nothing better than continuity.”

You need a coach who is a little laidback – Wasim Akram on Rahul Dravid 

Wasim Akram, who was also present in the discussion, talked about Rahul Dravid. Akram hailed Dravid as a great cricketing mind and highlighted that the team needs a coach who is laid back. He explained: 

“I have known Rahul for a long time and have seen his coaching style as well. As a person, he is very calm. That also has been part of his coaching success. He has a great cricketing mind. 

“He came after coaching the A team, was the NCA head as well. He knows the entire system and you need a coach who is a little laidback. The job of a coach is to be behind the scenes. That’s the secret of his success most of the times.”

There have been quite a few reports that have suggested that Rahul Dravid might join the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a mentor for IPL 2024.