
Dravid to Gambhir: People will get surprised if you Smile
So you might be wondering, what’s the secret to success in cricket? Practice, team work or just a bit of luck? Is it that easy, as per Rahul Dravid – a smile?! Dravid had a message, with an added of humor for his successor Gautam Gambhir. So, as you peer into the domain of Indian cricket and reflect upon it – brace yourself to find out what a smile can accomplish allowing the game changed entirely.
Rahul Dravid’s heartfelt message to Gautam Gambhir
And as one of the greatest ever batsmen in Indian cricket history, you must be at various places on the emotion spectrum – excited/nervous/scared/humbled. You literally got a heartfelt note from the man who penned some of those tweets: Rahul Dravid.
Good Luck & A Tip
More than anything else, this was a good luck in shouldering that burdensome-responsibility Regards Rahul. Any new leader would cherish such words of wisdom from a doyen like Dravid, who has been there done that.
A Dash of Humor in the Advice
Not to mention, the veteran batsmen did not restrict him into words of wisdom only and also splashed in a little bit of humor within his message telling you once in while always put smile on your face as well. Whilst light-hearted, the title highlights a fundamental aspect of leadership – not only being serious and earnest but also enjoying it.
There is an understanding of the need to be a positive individual, and when Dravid – who asked me at one point in that summer whether I always smiled so much – suggested he should smile more often it was with the touch of irony borne out by his own attitude. He is aware that good mood and relaxed team results in better on the field performance. Dravid wants you, through sharing this wisdom with you to be able to go on and create a similar environment in the team for the benefit of cricketing India.
Gambhir’s Reaction
Rahul Dravid had held onto the captaincy till now, was there to offer some guiding advice. “It was an honour and a privilege getting words of wisdom from him,” said new skipper Gautam Gambhir. Speaking to Outlook India in the article titled- In Heated Times Rahul Dravid Tells Gautam Gambhir to Exhale and Take a Step Back; Gambhir said this is the biggest challenge he has faced.
Filling Massive Shoes
Gambhir’s response when he was asked about coming to take the place of Dravid was both sensible as well hopeful. Yes, I have massive shoes that can hopefully fill_* the boots of Dravid,* Gambhir added.
The Weight of Expectation
Gambhir pretty much has the eyes, ears and of course tongues tracking every move of his while being conscious that he also carries the burden to perform from not only those who follow cricket but critics as well as fellow team players.
Quite a bit will hinge on how Gambhir lives up to the pressure (however unwanted) of replacing one who was not exactly combustible in his approach and very well may find he attempting acclimatization. As a fan, you know that Gambhir got the talent and experience to make it big but he has some mighty shoes more of Dravid’s size to fill! It will require an intimate knowledge of his players, a clearly defined vision for the team and nerves of steel. Gambhir on test, Can he pass the Test? Only time will tell.
Suryakumar’s Take
When the topic is discussed of Rahul Dravid to be replaced by Gautam Gambhir as head coach and Indian cricket team, it cannot go without a memorable viewpoint from Suryakumar Yadav. Having played under Dravid and Gambhir, Suryakumar makes a special case in this regard.
Remember the time when Rahul Dravid left Gautam Gambhir speechless with a voice note! It was heartwarming, and mutual respect showed the bond that grew in years between two of the cricketing legends.
Continuity and Change
For a team to become successful consistency is the key and Suryakumar feels Gambhir can only build on what Dravid has prepared? The new head coach will naturally have some changes, but the senior leadership and mission statement are apparently here to stay.
The Same Train, New Engine
So has there been any confusion about the way in which Gambhir is working with this crew? The famous line of Suryakumar – “Same train, only engine changed” is how this can be summarized.
Gambhir is someone who will bring in a change, introduce fresh ideas and offer something different from the current regime. But the nucleus of that team, both players and key support staff will stay. The continuity with a proven culture will greatly assist the transition and enable any continued development from previous successes.
Shastri’s Insights
Remember, Ravi Shastri has a great way of seeing and speaking his mind), Talking of Gautam Gambhir’s new role…Ravi Shastri has a few nuggets up his sleeve as well.
Understanding the Players
Especially the players of your caliber who know, being part of Indian team setup that every individual has his own strengths and weaknesses. The most important thing for Gambhir, according to Shastri will be about getting close to his players and knowing their minds what they are thinking of you in the dressing room because that is something which can actually help him then just backed it.
The Key to Success
Gambhir has to develop strong bonding with his players for success in new role it is all about making an atmosphere in which they are more confident, fulfilled and perform at their maximum.
Communication but also understanding the game, decisions needed. It will require Gambhir to be flexible, adaptable and make some hard calls when needed. And as Shastri would say, “Ultimately that’s what will decide Gambhir’s success…. It is about getting the best out of your players.”
Challenges Ahead
Gautam Gambhir skipper in white ball Indian cricket has been spearheaded as New India done right. Sure, it’s a time of happening period but ahead you will face challenges and how Gambhir goes through them? You are eager to see that.
Four Questions for India
One of the big questions is how will Gambhir manage to maintain an equilibrium in setting up this team, especially when a dominating figure like Virat Kohl still around. Can he extract the most from his players and how much will Kohli’s presence impact on his decisions?
Navigating a New Era
It would be tough to navigate the game assessments of modern white-ball cricket however with young players like Suryakumar Yadav, it will not be easy. Gambhir will have to work out a way ensure he extracts the best from them but also keeps in mind that these are one too many cooks.
For Gambhir, the key will be how he manages to convince his players. He has to figure out when to push and when not, knowing how much his ego is stoking it all. A tightrope, but if mastered could well be the one thing that influences India’s on field showing.
Gambhir and Kohli
Gautam Gambhir is never going to be Rahul Dravid. And he wasn’t meant to; it was pretty much one captain’s for the other after Kumble did his Cameron act in Perth last year. However, as we all know he did not travel solo on this journey to the other side. A bit of the company and encouragement from Indian cricket captain, Virat Kohli. And they were going to be on the same page, Gambhir asserted.
Working Together
Working together was one of the essential features for their close partnership. Gambhir didn’t want a repeat of Kumble-Kohli: The left-hander said he realised that he had to bond with Kohli in order for the team to perform at its best, after what happened during Anil Kumble’s tenure as coach. Based on what we saw, they have been accomplishing just that.
Finding Common Ground
Both of them had to work together and it starts at knowing each other’s strengths, something Gambhir and Kohli probably exchanged notes on. Each player knew what his teammate was good and not so good at, which enabled him to make the best decision.
Pairing Gambhir’s experience with Kohli’s aggression made them an incredible duo. As Dravid had told Gambhir, “In the most heated of times take a deep breath and step back” (link). If Gambhir did, then his link-up with Kohli was proof of that concept providing dividends.
To wrap up
Therefore, dear reader, remember that in a game as high stakes as cricket is humour and humility can hold us all in good stead! The half-smile that Rahul Dravid jokingly asked Gambhir to flash will surely strike a chord with you, and who knows, it may very well be an image synonymous with Gautam Gambhir the India white-ball cricket captain. Keep an eye on those little glimpses of personality that show you who the people are behind the players as you look ahead to this new era.
