Dravid passes on baton to Gautam Gambhir with heartfelt message

India are set to embark on a new era with the series against Sri Lanka starting today (July 27). They not only have a new T20 International (T20I) captain but also have a new head coach in Gautam Gambhir, who takes over the reins from Rahul Dravid. It would certainly be a massive shoe to fill, as Dravid, in his final assignment, led India to a T20 World Cup title. 

In a video posted by BCCI, Dravid wished Gambhir well in what he describes as the "most exciting job."

"Hello, Gautam, and welcome to the most exciting job in our world as coach of the Indian cricket team. It's been three weeks since I ended my stint with the Indian team in a manner that was beyond my dreams, both in Barbados and then a few days later, on that unforgettable evening in Mumbai. More than anything else, I will treasure the memories and friendships I made in my time with the squad. As you take over the role of India coach, it is what I wish for you as well," Dravid said.

𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 & 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲! 📝

To,
Gautam Gambhir ✉

From,
Rahul Dravid 🔊#TeamIndia | #SLvIND | @GautamGambhir pic.twitter.com/k33X5GKHm0

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2024

Dravid also joked that he did not always have a fully fit squad at his disposal and hoped that Gambhir would not be the same. "I also hope that you will have the availability of fully fit players in every squad. Good luck with that. I also wish you that little bit of luck, as you know that all of us coaches need to make us look that little bit wiser and smarter than we actually are."

Gambhir was Kolkata Knight Riders'(KKR) mentor in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, when they won their first title in 10 years. Acknowledging that, Dravid lauded Gambhir's ability to drive his players forward and recalled how gritty the southpaw was during his playing days when the duo shared the same dressing room.

"As your teammate, I saw you giving it your all on the field. As your batting partner and fellow finder, I saw your resilience and your refusal to surrender across many IPL seasons. I noted your desire to win your assistance to work with younger players and your drive to extract the best out of your team on the field. I know how dedicated and passionate you are about Indian cricket, and I'm sure you will bring all these qualities into this new job," Dravid said.

The outgoing coach also warned Gambhir of the expectations from the Indian team, especially the fans but at the same time assured him that he will never be alone in the worst of times.

"As you know, the expectations will be high, and the scrutiny will be intense. But even in the worst of times, you will never be alone. You will have the support of the players, your support staff, the leaders of the past, the management and never forget for whom you play," Dravid explained.

"For the fans who are very demanding but will always be behind the team, from one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing in the most heated of times exhale, take a step back, and even if it's difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people. I wish you the very best, Gautam, and I'm sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights," Dravid concluded.

For someone who does not show many emotions, Gambhir admitted that Dravid's message got him emotional.

"I don't know how to react because this message means so much to me and the reason is not because it comes from the person who I have succeeded now or taking over from, but from a person who I've always looked up to when I was playing. I've always felt that, I think, and I said it in a lot of my interviews. I think the most selfless cricketer I've actually ever played, Rahul Bhai, has done anything and everything that Indian cricket needed," Gambhir said.

"I think there is so much to learn from, not only for me but for the next generation and for the current generation as well, how important Indian cricket is, not me, not individuals, but what Indian cricket is, and I feel I think I don't get too emotional normally. 

"But I think this message actually made me a lot emotional, which normally I assume, but it's a great message. Hopefully, I can. It's massive shoes to fill. Hopefully, I can do it with aptitude, honesty, and transparency, and hopefully, I can make the entire nation proud."

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