(PTI Photo)
With the imminent commencement of the T20 World Cup 2024, India’s pursuit of championship glory is about to kick off. Yet, lingering doubts persist regarding Rohit Sharma’s leadership, especially considering past near-misses in major tournaments like the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship. As speculation swirls around Sharma’s ability to guide the team to victory, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has offered some sage advice to head coach Rahul Dravid on navigating this formidable challenge.
In an interview with Revsportz, Ganguly reiterated Dravid’s cricketing prowess and astute understanding of the game. However, he highlighted a potential area for improvement: the presence of family members and the pressure they inadvertently contribute during ICC tournaments.
Expressing his thoughts, Ganguly emphasized the need for relaxation, suggesting that Dravid, despite his champion status, could benefit from adopting a more laid-back approach. He cited examples of the visible pressure faced by the spouses of current Indian stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, often prominently featured during live broadcasts. Ganguly cautioned against this heightened pressure, implying it may not be conducive to optimal performance on the field.
The current mentor for the Delhi Capitals commented, “When I see Rohit’s wife in the stands, it is evident how much pressure she is under. When I see Virat’s wife, I see the kind of pressure she is feeling. We in India make the mistake of pushing too much”.
Alternatively, adopting a calmer demeanor, particularly during high-stakes matches, could significantly benefit the Indian team, enabling them to compete with unfettered confidence, potentially leading to victory. Ganguly referenced India’s performance in the 2003 World Cup Final to illustrate his argument.
” I think back to the 2003 [World Cup] final, for example. If anything, we need to relax when we are playing the big games. Just play with freedom,” he concluded.
In the latest setback, India endured a devastating loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup finals held in Ahmedabad. Despite showcasing stellar form throughout the tournament and remaining unbeaten until the final match, the Men in Blue faltered at the last hurdle. Now, Rohit Sharma and his squad aim to conquer the lingering psychological obstacle as they gear up for the upcoming T20 showcase event.
