Salman Butt, the former tainted ex-skipper of Pakistan, was absolutely impressed with Rahul Dravid’s approach in his maiden stint as India’s head coach, saying that it only highlights his humility.
India registered a whitewash against 2021 T20 World Cup finalists New Zealand, winning the series 3-0 in convincing fashion, but newly-appointed head coach Rahul Dravid cautioned the team, advising them to be more “realistic” with India eyeing the big prize a year from now – the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
Rahul Dravid: Indian Cricketers Have To Keep Feet Grounded And Be Realistic Keeping In Mind 2022 T20I World Cup
“We have to keep our feet on the ground and be realistic, especially with bigger things down the line in the next 12 months,” Dravid told host broadcaster Star Sports after the third T20I in Kolkata.
“It’s not easy for New Zealand to play a World Cup final, turn up three days later, and play three games in six days. We knew it was never going to be easy on them.”
New Zealand began the series three nights after their World Cup final loss to Australia in Dubai and played the three matches in the space of five days in the absence of Kane Williamson, and Kyle Jamieson, while a few others were rotated to keep the workload in balance with the two-Test series coming up.
India, too missed the services of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja for the T20I series and rather focussed on testing their bench strength to keep options in hand for the Australia T20 World Cup. Salman Butt admitted these points but pointed out that it was a lot to ask from New Zealand to mentally prepare for an international series in such a short space.
Salman Butt: The Actual Target Is The Next 10 Months Is Winning The 2022 T20I World Cup In Australia
The veteran cricketer Salman Butt hence felt that Rahul Dravid kept these points in mind while making that statement, saying that ultimately it is the world title that matters.
“It only reflects utmost clarity and humility. And very realistic and professional talk because India did win but the other team just came from a World Cup final and hence it is not easy to mentally prepare for another international series so fast. They (New Zealand) also lost the toss. When you play so much international cricket, there is a difference in intensity as well.
“So he did take all these factors into account when making that statement. India tested their bench strength, there was a new captain, new coach and they managed to win. But he is keeping them in line for the hunt.
“The actual target is the next target which will be in the next 10 months. So this is absolutely the correct and needed approach,” Salman Butt said on his YouTube channel.
Rahul Dravid praised the newest acquisitions who got the opportunity to play in the bilateral series. Harshal Patel, who made his debut in the second game, was adjudged the Man of the Match in the same game for picking 2 vital scalps.
Axar Patel was the Player of the Match with his economical three-wicket haul in the final tie. Venkatesh Iyer, too finally got his opportunity to bowl in the series and even picked his maiden international wicket.
“It’s been great to see the younger guys come through, we’ve given the opportunity to some of the guys who haven’t played too much cricket in the last few months with the seniors taking rest.
“The greatest takeaway for us is to see the skills available to us. We need to continue developing those skills,” Dravid further said.
Analyzing Rahul Dravid’s first assignment as the head coach of Team India, ex-Pakistan captain Salman Butt showered praise on the batting great, saying he has nailed his approach so far.