'I don't think anyone else even needs to apply anymore' - Sunil Gavaskar backs Rahul Dravid as India head coach

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed that Rahul Dravid should be the sole candidate who stands a chance to get the role of the head coach for the Indian men’s national cricket team. Gavaskar gave his opinion on the matter after Dravid formally applied for the role on Tuesday, October 26. 

Gavaskar even further went on to say that he doesn’t feel anyone even needs to apply for the role. The now turned commentator had several words of praise for Dravid highlighting the work which he did at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Apart from this, Gavaskar explained why Dravid is such a fit for the role.

“Without a doubt. I don’t think anyone else even needs to apply anymore. The way he has handled the Under-19 team, given them direction, the manner in which he has worked at the NCA, just shows his capability… not only inside the ground but out of it as well. He is good at administrative duties too; he has that capability. And that is why I think him applying for the post is just a formality,” Gavaskar said on Sports Tak. 

This is the best thing that has happened to Indian cricket: Madan Lal

Rahul Dravid has long been the favourite candidate to take up the job in which Ravi Shastri has been serving since 2017. Meanwhile, Dravid did a fine job with the India A and U19 teams. In the 2016 Junior World Cup, India finished runners-up while they lifted the trophy two years later in 2018. 

It is also worth noting that Dravid was given the role of the interim coach for the Indian national team when they were sent on a Sri Lankan tour with only the white-ball specialists. It has also been reported that the BCCI President Sourav Ganguly is in favour of making Dravid, the head coach.

While Gavaskar gave his opinion, former Indian cricketer Madan Lal also welcomed the application submitted by Dravid for the role of the head coach. “This is the best thing that has happened. He has graduated from the bottom and there can’t be a better candidate. He has a calm demeanour and has several qualities that will help the Indian team go even higher,” he added.