Rahul Dravid, one of Indian cricket’s most revered figures, recently opened up about the early buzz surrounding Shubman Gill, even before the young talent made a name for himself in India’s Under-19 system. Dravid, who has contributed immensely to Indian cricket as both a player and coach, shared insights into his coaching journey and the exceptional young talents emerging from the country.
Dravid’s Storied Cricketing Journey
Rahul Dravid’s career is nothing short of legendary. From making his debut at Lord’s in 1996 to retiring in 2012 as India’s second-highest run-scorer, Dravid’s contribution to Indian cricket has been unparalleled. His time as the coach of India A and Under-19 teams further solidified his legacy. Under his leadership, the country witnessed the rise of future cricket superstars like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Arshdeep Singh.
Shubman Gill: The Name That Stood Out
Dravid recalled how Shubman Gill’s name was constantly mentioned to him long before he saw the youngster play. “Everywhere I went, all I heard was Shubman Gill. Six different people had told me about him before I actually saw him,” Dravid shared in an interview with R Ashwin on his YouTube show Kutti Stories. Gill’s reputation had preceded him, and when Dravid finally saw him in action, he understood why everyone was so excited about the young talent.
The Talent Pool in Indian Cricket
While Shubman Gill was a standout, Dravid emphasized that it wasn’t just one player who impressed him. “It’s not just one kid that makes you go ‘wow,’ it’s the sheer volume of talent coming through the Indian system,” Dravid remarked. He mentioned other players like Rishabh Pant, Khaleel Ahmed, and Sanju Samson, whose early displays of talent made a significant impact on him.
Dravid went on to share how he had recognized Pant’s potential early on, saying, “When I saw Rishabh for the first time, I knew this guy was different.” Similarly, Dravid noted that players like Khaleel Ahmed showed great promise, and even Sanju Samson at 18 stood out for his impressive skills.
Dravid’s Impact on Young Talent
Dravid’s coaching philosophy has always been about nurturing young talent. His time with the Under-19 team, where they won the 2018 World Cup under Prithvi Shaw’s captaincy, was crucial in shaping the future of Indian cricket. Players like Shubman Gill flourished under his guidance, and Dravid continues to champion India’s cricketing talent, ensuring the next generation of cricketers is ready to shine on the world stage.
Rahul Dravid’s influence on Indian cricket goes far beyond his record as a player. His role in mentoring the next generation, especially through his coaching stints with India A and Under-19 teams, has been instrumental in the success of players like Shubman Gill. With Dravid at the helm, the future of Indian cricket looks brighter than ever, with an endless stream of exceptional talent waiting to make their mark.
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