Rahul Dravid made his return as the coach of the Indian side after taking a break after the loss against Australia in the World Cup. The Indian team are now going up against South Africa in a two-match Test series as the big guns are back and raring to go against the Proteas.
The coach had spoken to the media in a press conference ahead of the Boxing Day clash against South Africa which will take place at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, Centurion.
Dravid spoke on the big loss in the World Cup 2023, he commented, “It’s happened in the past, yes it’s disappointing, but we have moved on from it. Now you have got something ahead of you. Players are good at that (moving on). We are forced to do that, we learn how to do that from the time we are kids. Every time you get out, you are disappointed, you have another innings to play, and you have to perform in the next innings, so you can’t let the disappointment of the past stay with you.
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The former Indian skipper and now coach emphasised the importance of moving on having dealt with a heartbreaking loss during his playing career as well during the World Cup 2003. He added,” As cricketers, you learn how to deal with that, from the time you are kids. If you let the disappointment in the past stay with you, it will affect you in the next game”
The coach is now looking ahead at their next assignment where India takes on South Africa in a two-match Test series. He said, “Yes, the guys are disappointed, we were all disappointed. But we have all moved on from it now and we are looking forward to something that is ahead of us.”
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Dravid also shut down questions regarding the lack of motivation from the Indian players. He commented, “I don’t think you need to motivate players to play for India. I don’t think any of our players are lacking in motivation. Coming to play in South Africa, representing your country, playing Test cricket here with an opportunity to play some very good cricket, I don’t think anyone is lacking in motivation. I did not have to motivate anyone.
Dravid also explained his mantra of not wanting to externally motivate his players. He added, “I don’t believe in motivating my players, I believe in creating the right environment, ensuring the right processes, ensuring we practice well, tick all the boxes physically, mentally and tactically. That’s my job as a coach; giving the players the best chance to succeed. There are some motivated guys out there in the team,” he concluded.
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