Coach Dravid Concerned: Limited Practice Time for Team India Ahead of T20 World Cup

Credit: Unspalsh

Rahul Dravid Voices Worries about Team India’s Preparation as they Secure a 3-0 Victory Against Afghanistan

Following India’s decisive 3-0 victory in the T20 series against Afghanistan, head coach Rahul Dravid expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance but voiced concerns regarding the limited practice time ahead of the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.

Despite the series win, Dravid emphasized the lack of upcoming team cricket and highlighted the importance of closely monitoring players during the Indian Premier League (IPL). The IPL will serve as a platform to assess player form and identify potential slots to fill in the national team.

Post the ODI World Cup, India played 11 Twenty20 matches, offering an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate various players, including bench players like Jitesh Sharma and Shivam Dube. Dravid praised their performances, stating, “It’s just nice to see that there are some options who have put their hand up and certainly shown that they’ve got skills to address.”

Rahul Dravid said "Taking off Rohit Sharma in the Super Over was 'Ashwin' level thinking". (Big smile). pic.twitter.com/kWwCxkOyB8

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 17, 2024

Shivam Dube, with 124 runs and two wickets in the series, earned the Player of the Series title, impressing Dravid with his improved skills after returning to the team.

Dravid also acknowledged the competition for the wicketkeeper position, considering options like Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and the recovering Rishabh Pant. He stated, “We’ve got quite a few keeping options out there,” leaving the door open for multiple contenders.

In the second Super Over against Afghanistan, Dravid commended captain Rohit Sharma’s strategic choice of sending leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Bishnoi’s performance, defending 11 runs and taking two crucial wickets, validated Rohit’s aggressive approach, a move appreciated by Dravid.

As India gears up for the T20 World Cup, fans and pundits alike will closely watch the evolving dynamics within the team, especially considering the upcoming IPL as a crucial determinant for the final squad composition.