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BCCI President Roger Binny has lauded India head coach Rahul Dravid for his role in guiding the team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Binny also expressed his thoughts on the selection of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 marked Rahul Dravid’s final tournament as head coach. Dravid had taken over the coaching reins in November 2021 following India’s disappointing performance in the ICC T20 World Cup earlier that year.

Under the leadership of Dravid and Rohit Sharma, India clinched the crucial ICC title, ending a drought that had persisted since MS Dhoni led India to the Champions Trophy final victory in 2013. Just seven months earlier, India narrowly missed out on the ICC ODI World Cup 2024 title, losing to Australia in the final.

Following Rahul Dravid’s departure, there are discussions suggesting Gautam Gambhir could be appointed as India’s new head coach. BCCI President Roger Binny emphasized that Gambhir brings valuable experience that would benefit the Indian team.

“Gautam Gambhir has got a lot of experience and if he takes the job it’s definitely going to be a good thing for Indian cricket. He is experienced that’s what India needs. India needs a coach who played the game, and he has played in all three formats of the game,” he said.

Binny also praised Rahul Dravid as an exceptional coach and expressed gratitude for his immense support to the Indian team.

“Rahul as a cricketer has been fantastic. His contribution to the team has been tremendous because of the experience he brought to the table … he really did a fantastic job with them. It’s just unfortunate that he lost a few games, he lost the last World Cup,” Binny further said. 

Difficult to replace Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli- Roger Binny

Following their triumph in the World Cup, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from T20I cricket. Commenting on their retirements, Binny acknowledged that replacing players of their caliber would pose a significant challenge.

 “They have been outstanding. It is going to be very difficult to replace them immediately…it is going to be a great loss at the moment. Hopefully, we should get some young cricketers, the IPL is full of talent. It’s not going to be easy but we can try and get some young cricketers to do what they have done,” the former Indian player further said. 

Gautam Gambhir is being considered a strong candidate for the position of head coach for the Indian Team following his successful stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. Gambhir played a crucial role as a mentor, leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the trophy. 

Previously, Gambhir had led the team to two titles in 2012 and 2014. Upon his return as leader and mentor, Kolkata Knight Riders once again clinched the title, showcasing dominance throughout the tournament.