IPL 2020: Rahul Dravid feels IPL franchises can benefit a lot by appointing Indian coaches
What's the story?
Former Indian batsman, Rahul Dravid has opined that the Indian Premier League teams are missing a trick by not electing Indian coaches in their backroom staff. As per Dravid, the Indian players possess a lot of knowledge which can prove to be beneficial for the upcoming talent. He also feels that the Indian coaches have much better idea about the potential of the new Indian players.
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The background
Seven of the eight IPL franchises have named foreign players as their head coaches for IPL 2020. Only Kings XI Punjab will have Anil Kumble at the helm of their coaching staff in the upcoming IPL tourney.
The heart of the matter
Talking about the need of Indian coaches in the IPL, Rahul Dravid had this to say during his recent interview:
"I believe we've got some very good coaches, a lot of good people. I'm fully confident [in their ability]. Just as we have a lot of talent in the cricket department, we have a lot of talent in the coaching department. We need to give them confidence and time to flourish. I'm sure they will do it." (H/T Credit : ESPN Cricinfo)
He expressed his disappointment over the absence of Indian names and continued:
"It does sometimes disappoint me when a lot of our boys don't get opportunities as assistant coaches in IPL. Honestly, there are so many Indian players in the IPL, there's so much of local knowledge [among our coaches]. I feel a lot of teams could actually benefit from using a lot of our Indian coaches in the IPL. They know the Indian players better, they understand them better. Even as assistant coaches… there is a lot of talent and ability. It just needs to be given the opportunity, and flourish."
The former Rajasthan Royals skipper believes that the Indian coaches need to be present in the IPL coaching staffs even if they are in as an assistant coach. He added:
"A part of our goal is to create a programme for coaches as well, so that we can give them certain skills in which they can develop - and hopefully then get the opportunities to work at a slightly higher level. I think a lot of IPL teams miss a trick by not using more domestic talent in the coaching area and the talent identification area, even if it is as assistants. That's my personal opinion."
Further validating his opinion, Dravid mentioned the fact that 17-18 Indian players are members of each IPL franchise. Hence, it would be better if the team owners consider signing Indian players in the coaching section. He signed off by stating:
"It's not for me to decide for franchises and head coaches what they do, but I think they miss a trick by not involving more Indian coaches. Indian coaches understand and know the system, and they know a lot of Indian players. Every IPL team has at least 17-18 Indian players. It's my personal view, but I would love to see a lot of our boys get the opportunity to be in and around that environment. Hopefully we can work with some teams to try and ensure that."
What's next?
The IPL Auction 2020 will take place on 19 December 2019 as all the franchises' coaches and the think tanks will be in action at Kolkata.