I'll be surprised if Rahul Dravid is not appointed India's full-time coach in the future: WV Raman

With a good bunch of experienced and young players in the mix under the watchful eyes of Rahul Dravid, the Indian team is all set to walk the field against Sri Lanka for the first ODI on Sunday, July 18. Opening up about the series, the former Indian women’s coach WV Raman has pinned his hopes on Dravid taking up the mantle of being the Indian coach in near future.

Dravid, who has successfully coached the India A and India U-19 sides, is highly renowned for his calm and composed nature. He has groomed many young players which are now doing well in the international circuit. Currently, Ravi Shashtri is the head coach of the team, but there have been certain speculations that Dravid might be given the appointment post Shahtri’s tenure. WV Raman is thus hopeful and has proclaimed that Dravid would be appointed as India’s full-time coach in the times to come.

“It (Dravid becoming a full-time coach) is likely to happen. There is no saying as to when it will, but I will be surprised if it doesn’t happen sometime in the (near) future,” Raman told TOI.

Shikhar Dhawan needs to be a bit more patient: WV Raman

Shikhar Dhawan is all raring to lead the Indian side for the Sri Lankan series. However, this is going to be a testing time for the batter as it is a tussle between him and KL Rahul to obtain the T20I spot in the Indian side. It is a no-brainer that Dhawan has a lot of experience under his sleeves, but Raman opined that he has to get a bit patient to regain his place in the shortest format.

“In case of Shikhar, it is a case of retaining his competitive edge, waiting and watching as to how things pan out. Unlike others, Shikhar needs to be a bit more patient and needs to try and ensure that he makes the best possible use of these matches and put the ball in the selectors’ court.” Raman added.

Prithvi Shaw is expected to hold the opening fort for India alongside Dhawan and Raman feels that this is arguably the best opportunity for Shaw to showcase his flair in the international circuit. “He is a quality player and this tour is an opportunity for him to gets runs against an international side,” Raman stated.