NEWS
Follow UsOne of the hardest parts of being a coach is taking tough calls especially when it comes to picking or dropping players. Over the last couple of years as the head coach of the Indian side, Rahul Dravid has had to make a few tough calls that include dropping veteran players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and also Wriddhiman Saha.
It has been a tough couple of years at the helm for Dravid, under whom India lost a Test series in South Africa, lost the WTC final against Australia, bowed out of the T20 World Cup last year at the semi-final stage, and also failed to make the Asia Cup final.
Dravid admits that his decisions are not going to please everyone and will leave a sour taste regardless of the team he eventually zeroes in on.
"You care for each of those people whom you coach, on a personal level as well and you're trying to build personal connections. You want to coach them as people and not so much as cricket players. And when you do that, you want all of them to succeed. But at the same time, you've got to be realistic and realise that not all of them are going to succeed. At times you've got to make those tough decisions," Dravid said during the episode of 'Cred Curious'.
"Every time we pick a playing XI, we disappoint people; there are others who are not playing. Every time we pick a 15 for a tournament, there are a lot of guys who feel they should be there. And you feel bad for them at an emotional level. But at least we all try. I don't say I am perfect at it.
"I'm not saying that I get it right all the time because it does affect you. That's the hardest part of coaching or leading teams – having to make those tough decisions about people you truly want to succeed and do well. But you can only pick so many players, forced by the rule."
Dravid believes that communication with players is key, especially when they have been left out.
"There is no easy answer to it. I think the thing that comes to me is at least you try to be honest about it. In your communication and dealings with players, if there is an honesty and if they can think that you are doing without any political agenda or any bias in play, then that is the best you can hope for. That has to be a guiding principle," the former India captain further added.
India begin their Caribbean tour later today (July 12) with the first Test against the West Indies at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica. This will mark the beginning of India and West Indies' new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
