Gambhir Dravid

As Gautam Gambhir is set to embark on his journey as India's head coach, his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, shared a heartfelt message to his former colleague and wished him luck in that role.

In a wholesome video posted by the BCCI on social media, Dravid welcomed Gambhir to the role, recalling the happy memories he made while he was at the job, the pinnacle of which was the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.

"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 in 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.

"The former India head coach added: "I also hope that you 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.

"As your team-mate, I saw you giving it your all on the field. As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I saw your resilience and refusal to surrender. Across many IPL seasons, I noted your desire to win, your assistance to 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 am sure you will bring all these qualities into the new job.

"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, for the fans who are very demanding but will always be behind the team."

Dravid's last piece of advice for his successor was to smile and take a step back, even in "the most heated of times".

"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.

Dravid is the most selfless cricketer I have ever played with: Gambhir

Gambhir was overwhelmed by the message and was in all praise for his senior. Gambhir said that he has always looked up to Dravid and considers him the most selfless player he has played with.

"I don't know how to react because this message means so much to me," Gambhir said. "The reason is not because it comes from the person who I have succeeded but from a person who I have always looked up to when I was playing.

"I have always felt that and I said it in a lot of my interviews - I think the most selfless cricketer I have actually ever played with. Rahul bhai has done anything and everything Indian cricket needed. I think there is so much to learn from, not only for me but for the next generation and the current generation as well. That's how important Indian cricket is, not me, not individuals."

Gambhir concluded: "I don't get too emotional but I think this message actually made me a lot emotional which normally I shouldn't. But it's a great message. It's massive shoes that I can hopefully fill. Hopefully, I can do that with absolute honesty, transparency and hopefully, I can make the entire nation and more importantly, the person I have always looked up to - Rahul bhai - proud.

Gambhir's maiden assignment as India’s head coach begins on Saturday (July 27) when India play the first T20I of the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Among other notable recruits, his former IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders colleagues Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate will join India’s coaching staff.

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