Rahul Dravid Opens Up on Rohit Sharma’s Leadership: “He Deeply Cared About the Team”
As Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach draws to a close, he’s finally opened up about the man he shared some of cricket’s most memorable recent moments with — captain Rohit Sharma. In a candid conversation on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Dravid revealed never-before-shared insights into his working relationship with Rohit, calling it one of the most rewarding partnerships of his coaching career.
The Dravid-Rohit era brought massive achievements to Indian cricket. From winning the Asia Cup in 2023 to reaching the ODI World Cup final, and finally capturing the T20 World Cup crown in 2024, their synergy was evident both on and off the field.
“It was really good,” Dravid began, reflecting on their bond. “What stood out about Rohit was that he deeply cared about the team. From day one, he was clear on the vision he had — how he wanted to run the team and the values he wanted to promote.”
Dravid emphasized that as a coach, his philosophy revolves around enabling the captain to lead. “It has to be the captain’s team,” he said. “My job was to support him, challenge him when needed, and help bring his vision to life.”
Dravid praised Rohit’s clarity, experience, and leadership style, saying these qualities allowed him to create a positive team atmosphere that helped players thrive.
“Rohit was always sure about the kind of environment he wanted — one where players felt supported but also knew their responsibilities. He wasn’t afraid to make tough calls, but always had the team’s best interest in mind.”
Dravid also revealed that their bond extended beyond cricket. “We were comfortable enough to sit together without always talking cricket. Whether it was meals or casual chats, it never felt forced.”
Having first spotted Rohit as a young U-19 talent and then giving him his international debut, Dravid reflected on his growth with pride. “Watching him evolve from a talented kid into a mature leader has been truly satisfying.”
Their chemistry didn’t just deliver trophies — it laid down a blueprint for leadership that future generations of Indian cricket will likely follow.
As the curtain falls on this golden chapter, one thing is clear: the Rohit-Dravid duo didn’t just chase glory — they built a legacy.
