IPL Teams Missing A Trick By Not Using Indian Coaches - Rahul Dravid

One of the surprising aspects of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been the absence of Indian coaches in the tournament. Though there is a conflict of interest issue, the Indian Cricket still possess quite a few star coaches, who can deliver the goods for the team. Speaking of the same, Rahul Dravid hopes the domestic coaches will get their opportunities from the IPL franchises.

The former skipper of the Indian National Cricket Team, who is currently the head person of the National Cricket Academy, Rahul Dravid feels that IPL teams are missing the trick by not utilising the Indian coaches. He believes that the local coaches possess excellent knowledge of the Indian player’s ability.

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We need to give them confidence – Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid also feels the communication will be good between the coach and a player. After quitting the game in 2012, Dravid was associated with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils as a mentor. Having watched the IPL scene closely, Dravid believes the franchises should utilise Indian coaches more.

“I believe we have got some excellent coaches, a lot of good people. I’m fully confident (in their ability). Just as we have a lot of talent in the cricket department, we have a lot of talent in the coaching department as well. We need to give them confidence and time to flourish. I’m sure they will do it. It does sometimes disappoint me when a lot of our boys don’t get opportunities as assistant coaches in the IPL,” Dravid said.

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“Honestly, there are so many Indian players in the IPL, there’s so much local knowledge (among our coaches). I feel a lot of teams could actually benefit from using a lot of our Indian coaches in the IPL. They know the Indian players better, they understand them better. Even as assistant coaches… there is a lot of talent and ability,” Dravid said.

Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals were smart enough in roping the likes of Lakshmipathi Balaji and Mohammed Kaif while Mumbai Indians and King XI Punjab also made sure to have at least one Indian coach in the panel. However, they do not have enough powers to make a change to the lineup or pass on the message to head coach.

Meanwhile, another new edition of the upcoming IPL is on the card with the auction is scheduled to take place in Kolkata on December 19 (Thursday).