“Rohit Sharma genuinely cared about the team” - Rahul Dravid heaps praise on Indian ODI captain

Former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, in his conversation with former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin on his YouTube channel, got candid and spoke at length about the Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma, heaping praise on him.

Speaking on Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Dravid heaped praise on Rohit Sharma, highlighting his ability to emotionally connect with players, which is the defining trait of his leadership. Moreover, he also talked about how Rohit genuinely cared about the team from day one.

"I always felt Rohit genuinely cared about the team. From day one, he was clear about how he wanted to lead and what mattered most to him," Dravid said on Ashwin’s YouTube channel.

“It’s vital for the captain to set the tone and direction. I’ve been a captain myself, so I know, the team should reflect the captain’s vision. As a coach, your job is to support him, challenge him when needed, and help provide clarity,” he added.

Dravid and Rohit were part of the Indian set-up as captain and coach between 2022 and 2024. India reached the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final under their partnership, but suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the final to Australia.

Post the defeat, Dravid wanted to step down as the head coach. However, Rohit convinced him to stay on as the duo went on to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa in Barbados, ending India’s 11-year wait for an ICC Trophy.

"Rohit was very clear about what he wanted from the team, the environment, the culture, the mindset. His experience helped shape that vision. My role was to work alongside him, sometimes challenge him, but mostly to make sure he was comfortable in that space. Once he was, I knew he’d perform and inspire others to do the same," Dravid observed.

“He was calm and steady. He didn’t ride emotional highs and lows. At least, he never showed that to me. That sense of balance was crucial,” he stated.

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