Former Indian cricket coach Rahul Dravid extended valuable advice to his successor, Gautam Gambhir, as he prepared to navigate the challenges ahead. Dravid’s message to Gambhir was heartfelt and impactful: "In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back." This guidance resonated deeply with Gambhir, leaving him visibly moved.
Dravid stepped down from his role following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup in the Americas last month, passing the leadership baton to Gambhir, who now leads the team on the ongoing white-ball tour to Sri Lanka.
In a video shared by the BCCI on its 'X' handle, Dravid conveyed his best wishes to Gambhir. He noted, “From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back. I wish you the very best, Gautam. I am confident you will elevate the Indian team to even greater heights.”
Dravid’s signature dry humor also came through in his touching farewell. “Even if it’s difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people,” he advised, prompting a broad smile from Gambhir.
Gambhir expressed his gratitude and emotional reaction to Dravid’s advice. “I don’t usually get too emotional, but this message has genuinely touched me in a way I didn’t expect. It’s a wonderful piece of advice.”
He acknowledged the significant challenge ahead: “It’s massive shoes I’m stepping into, but I hope to fill them with honesty and transparency. I aim to make both the nation proud and Rahul Bhai, whom I have always admired, proud.”
Dravid expressed his confidence that Gambhir’s tenacity and fighting spirit, traits he displayed during his playing career, would be reflected in his coaching. “As your teammate, I saw you give your all on the field. As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I witnessed your resilience and refusal to give up. Throughout numerous IPL seasons, I observed your relentless desire to win, your support for younger players, and your drive to extract the best from your team.”
He also offered a word of caution regarding the challenges of coaching. “As you know, expectations will be high, and scrutiny intense. However, you will always have the support of the players, your support staff, past leaders, and the management. Remember, you play for fans who, while demanding, will always support the team.”
Dravid wished Gambhir well, hoping he would have a fully-fit squad and some fortune on his side. “I hope you’ll have a fully fit squad available and a bit of luck to make us all look wiser and smarter,” he added.
Dravid also encouraged Gambhir to build strong relationships with the team members, as he had done during his tenure. “Welcome to the most exciting job in our world, Gautam. It’s been three weeks since I concluded my tenure with the Indian team in a manner beyond my dreams, first in Barbados and then in Mumbai. The memories and friendships from my time with the squad are what I will cherish the most. I hope you experience the same.”
Gambhir deeply valued Dravid’s words, reflecting on the latter’s selflessness and dedication to Indian cricket. “I don’t know how to react because this message means so much to me. It’s not just from the person I am succeeding but from someone I have always looked up to.”
Gambhir admired Dravid’s contribution to cricket, noting, “Rahul Bhai has done everything that Indian cricket needed. His association with the game is a lesson for everyone. It’s not about individuals but the importance of Indian cricket itself.”
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