Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India to send Rahul Dravid to Australia immediately to help the batsman with their technique Down Under following the debacle in Adelaide Oval. Virat Kohli’s men not only lost the first test by 8 wickets but were bundled out for an all time low (36/9) in the second innings.
Vengsarkar, a former chairman of selectors, believes Dravid’s experience as coach can be highly beneficial for the team in Virat Kohli’s absence, who will take no further part in the Test series due to paternity leave. Dravid, a former India captain, who had a terrific series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy way back in 2003/04 is just that the team needs at the moment, feels Vengsarkar.
“The BCCI must rush Dravid to Australia to help the team. No one can guide the batsmen better on how to play the moving ball in those conditions,” Vengsarkar told Times of India. “His presence will be a huge boost to the Indian team in the nets. In any case, the NCA has been shut due to Covid for the past nine months, leaving him with little to do.
“The Board can make a better use of Dravid by utilising his services to help the national team, which will be without skipper Virat Kohli from now (last three Tests).”
Vengsarkar feels the BCCI should do what it takes to ensure that Dravid is involved with the Indian team a lot more.
“Even if he has to serve a mandatory two-week quarantine period, he should be available for helping the Indian team at the nets before the third Test in Sydney, which will begin from January 7. It is time that Dravid is asked to be involved with the Indian team more,” he said.
Dravid is currently serving as the chief of National Cricket Academy (NCA).