The BCCI had formally announced that “the wall” will be India’s next coach for the Indian men’s cricket team. It will be a welcome change after India’s uninspiring performance in the currently ongoing ICC T20 world cup. Under the incumbent coach, Ravi Shastri, India has performed decently well with plenty of overseas wins in tests.
The highlight of his coaching career will surely be India’s emphatic wins in Australia in 2019 and 2021. However, in the ICC tournaments, India has severely underperformed. That is one place that Dravid would look to improve on. India will be looking at the T20 world cup next year to be held in Australia. It would be followed by the ODI world cup in India. With a few cricketers in the team aging, Dravid will look forward to building a new team and giving it a fresh look.
There have been a few players who have been out of favor and a few who have not received opportunities in the team. Some of them can look forward to a fresh start with Dravid at the helm of affairs.
1. Sanju Samson
Samson has played extensive cricket with Dravid. He received his IPL cap in 2013 under Dravid’s captaincy in Rajasthan Royals. He already shares a good rapport with the coach. In the recently concluded IPL, Samson put up some noteworthy performances and had a century to his name. In the event Pant fails to impress, Samson can have a shot in getting the Indian cap.
2. Prithvi Shaw
Shaw was a child prodigy. His performances as a youngster made cricket fans and pundits marvel at his talent. He captained India to a world cup win in the U-19 tournament in 2018. He won it under Dravid as their coach. Shaw has lost his place in the test team due to technical problems. With Dravid coming in, Shaw can expect to work on his technique and get a second chance in the team.
3. Shubman Gill
Gill got a chance in the test team after Shaw could not perform in Australia. He put up a few eye-catching and match-winning performances but faced injuries before the England tour. With Rahul and Rohit performing well as openers, Gill may feel the pressure about his place in the squad. However, he has played before with Dravid at the U-19 level and can hope to be part of Dravid’s plans in the future.
4. Avesh Khan
The young speedster put the IPL on fire this year. He was fast and was in the reckoning for the purple cap. With him bowling spectacularly well, Rabada and Nortje got the much-needed support in Delhi Capitals. Avesh Khan was instrumental in helping DC reach the play-offs. He may be one of the talents Dravid will keep an eye on for the limited-overs squad.
5. Navdeep Saini
Another speed gun who was a genuine prospect for India was Saini. He has played a few games for India in T20I. he also got a chance for India in the fourth test against Australia in the 2020-21 series but injured himself mid-game. His career may be rejuvenated under the watchful eyes of Dravid.
