Former Pakistan Spinner Danish Kaneria has made some strong comments in criticism of India’s head coach Rahul Dravid.
Danish Kaneria reckons Rahul Dravid is not up to the “intent” of T20 cricket and is quite “slow” as a coach in the shortest format. Kaneria suggested India sack Dravid as the T20I coach and instead go for someone like Ashish Nehra, who has had success with the Gujarat Titans franchise in the last two IPL seasons.
“Why is this Indian team not showing enough intent? Hardik Pandya has achieved a lot of success with Gujarat Titians because of Ashish Nehra’s presence. India must show more intent in T20Is, and a coach plays a big role in that,” Danish Kaneria said in his YouTube video.
“Rahul Dravid, no doubt, was a world-class player, but Dravid doesn’t deserve to be a coach in T20s. He is very slow. On the other hand, you see Ashish Nehra constantly do something and pass on messages in the field. I think he should get an opportunity.”
Should India continue with Rahul Dravid after World Cup 2023?
Under Rahul Dravid’s coaching, India suffered two major shocks last year in the shortest format, failing to reach the final of both the Asia Cup 2022 and T20 World Cup 2022.
Things seem to have gone further downhill recently with a second-string Indian team, led by Hardik Pandya, losing back-to-back T20Is to West Indies. These losses to the West Indies have further piled on the criticism of head coach Dravid.
Dravid has a contract with the BCCI until this year’s ODI World Cup 2023 at home. The outcome of the ODI World Cup will heavily influence whether Dravid continues in the role of the head coach or not.
The World Cup 2024 will be held in the West Indies and the USA next year, for which the ongoing series serves as a preparatory rubber to give the youngsters a chance to play in these conditions and against some quality WI bowlers.
Danish Kaneria also rebuked Sanju Samson, who has managed scores of 12 and 7 in the two T20Is so far.
“India rested Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli so that they could give others a chance, as many have complained that a few players haven’t had enough opportunities. Now that India have played them, when are you going to score runs, Sanju Samson? He has had enough chances now. I was among the people who supported him and wanted him to get consistent opportunities. However, he hasn’t made the most of these chances.”
