#rahul_dravid

India's Path to WTC Final: Rahul Dravid's Confidence Amid Challenges The Indian cricket team's journey toward the World Test Championship (WTC) final remains a challenging yet promising endeavor, according to former coach Rahul Dravid. Despite being fifth in the points table with 53.33 points, Dravid emphasized that India's talent and potential still make them a formidable contender. He acknowledged the team's current position as a setback but stressed that their capabilities cannot be underestimated. India's performance in the 2025-27 WTC cycle has been inconsistent, with only a single Test victory against Sri Lanka failing to propel them into the top two. The team's current standing highlights the need for improved results in upcoming matches, particularly against New Zealand and Australia. Dravid noted that the WTC format, which rewards points from each Test series, means even a single series victory could significantly impact their chances of securing a top-two finish. The upcoming Test series against New Zealand is critical, as results from these matches will directly influence India's position in the points table. Dravid highlighted the importance of consistency, warning that fluctuations in performance—such as a strong showing followed by a loss—could jeopardize their prospects. He also stressed the need for balanced contributions across batting, bowling, and fielding, especially in high-pressure situations. India's path to the WTC final is further complicated by the outcomes of other teams. Recent results, such as Bangladesh's loss to Australia, have slightly shifted the competition dynamics in India's favor. However, Dravid cautioned against relying solely on others' misfortunes.#new_zealand #australia #rahul_dravid #india_cricket_team #world_test_championship

Rahul Dravid Confident India Can Qualify for Test Championship Final Rahul Dravid, the former captain and coach of the Indian cricket team, has expressed confidence that India will qualify for the fourth edition of the ICC Test Championship final. In a recent interview, Dravid stated that the team’s current form and capabilities make them strong contenders for the prestigious event. He emphasized that India’s progress in the championship is significant, even though they are currently ranked fifth in the points table with 53.33 points. Dravid highlighted that India’s performance in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, where they started with a victory, serves as a crucial step toward securing a spot in the final. He noted that the team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure has been evident, and this momentum could carry them through the upcoming challenges. Looking ahead, India is set to face New Zealand in a two-Test series in October and November. Dravid acknowledged that New Zealand is a formidable opponent, particularly at home, where the team has historically performed well. He pointed out that many of India’s young players have not yet faced New Zealand’s conditions, making the series a significant test of their resilience and adaptability. Dravid also expressed optimism about the team’s preparation for the upcoming matches. He believes the players will focus on maintaining their fitness and avoiding injuries, which is critical for a long-format series. However, he noted that the absence of experienced players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara could present challenges. These veterans were part of the squad during India’s previous tour of New Zealand, and their absence may place additional pressure on the younger players to step up.#india #new_zealand #australia #rahul_dravid #icc_test_championship

India’s Mission WTC Final: Shubman Gill’s Side Chases Top-Two Spot as Rahul Dravid Backs Late Surge India’s cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, is locked in a high-stakes battle to secure a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, with former coach Rahul Dravid expressing confidence in their ability to overcome challenges ahead. The team currently sits fifth in the ICC Test rankings with a points percentage (PCT) of 53.33, trailing Bangladesh (55.56) after a 1-1 draw in Australia. To qualify for the WTC final in June 2027, India must defeat Sri Lanka in Colombo and then navigate a grueling schedule against New Zealand and Australia, two of the strongest teams in the competition. Dravid, who previously guided India to the WTC final in 2023, acknowledged the difficulties but remained optimistic about the team’s potential. “It’ll be a great run if India can qualify for the WTC final from here,” he said in an interview with JioStar. “They’ve fallen behind a little bit, but the kind of quality that the Indian team has, you’re not going to write them off at any stage.” His comments came as India prepared for their third and final one-day international (ODI) match against New Zealand, with the team’s focus now on securing a top-two finish in the standings. The path to the WTC final is fraught with challenges. India’s current position in the rankings places them in a mid-table battle, with Australia (80 PCT), South Africa (75 PCT), and New Zealand (72.22 PCT) occupying the top three spots. To overtake Bangladesh and claim a top-three position, India must first defeat Sri Lanka in Colombo, a task that will require resilience and tactical precision. The team’s recent performance in Sri Lanka has been promising, with a win in Galle marking a strong start to their campaign.#india #sri_lanka #shubman_gill #rahul_dravid #icc_world_test_championship

Rahul Dravid Spells Caution on New Zealand Challenge, Backs India’s World Test Championship Hopes Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, expressed cautious optimism about India’s prospects in the World Test Championship (WTC) despite acknowledging the team has slightly fallen behind in the standings. While praising the Shubman Gill-led side for their encouraging performance in the recent series against Sri Lanka, Dravid emphasized that the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand in November will be critical in determining India’s path to the WTC final. Currently ranked fifth in the WTC points table, India face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the final, as they have seven remaining matches to play in the tournament. Dravid, speaking to JioHotstar, reiterated his belief in the team’s potential, stating, “I’m hoping they do. It’ll be a great run if India can qualify for the WTC final from here.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that the team’s performance in the New Zealand series will be pivotal. Dravid highlighted the importance of experience in the upcoming Tests, particularly in the challenging conditions of the Black Caps’ home venues. He pointed out that the absence of seasoned players like Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane could pose a significant hurdle. “New Zealand is a tough team to play away from home, and a lot of the young Indian boys have not faced those conditions,” he said. “The experience of these senior players will be missed, but the team has the quality to overcome this.” The former coach also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and improve, especially with the support of experienced mentors.#india #new_zealand #rahul_dravid #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #world_test_championship

India Have Fallen Behind in WTC Final Race, Says Rahul Dravid Rahul Dravid, the former India captain and current team owner in the European T20 Premier League, has expressed concerns about India’s position in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. While acknowledging the team’s potential, Dravid warned that the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand will be a significant challenge, particularly due to the absence of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. India, currently ranked fifth in the WTC points table, faces an uphill battle to secure a top-two spot and qualify for the final, which will be held in 2027. Dravid emphasized that India’s recent performance in the two-match series against Sri Lanka, where they led 1-0 after the first Test and held an advantage in the second, is a positive sign. However, he cautioned that the team must maintain consistency to stay competitive. “They’ve fallen behind a little bit, but the kind of quality that the Indian team has, you’re not going to write them off at any stage,” Dravid said. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming series against New Zealand, noting that the young Indian squad will face unfamiliar conditions and a lack of senior leadership. The two-Test series in New Zealand, scheduled for October 2026, will test the Indian team’s resilience. Dravid pointed out that the absence of key veterans like Kohli, Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane will leave a void in experience. “A lot of the young Indian boys have not played in those conditions, so that’s going to be a big challenge,” he said. He also stressed the need for the team to avoid injuries and maintain fitness over the next few months. India’s path to the WTC final is further complicated by the five-Test series against Australia, set to begin in January 2027.#india #new_zealand #australia #rahul_dravid #world_test_championship

Rahul Dravid Advocates for Test Cricket to Embrace Players Like Vaibhav Suryavanshi Rahul Dravid, former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has emphasized the need for Test cricket to include players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The former captain highlighted Suryavanshi's potential, noting his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his ability to adapt to different formats of the game. Dravid expressed confidence that Suryavanshi could excel in Test cricket, despite his young age and limited experience in longer formats. Suryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricketer, made a significant impact in the 2026 IPL season, accumulating 776 runs, which placed him among the top scorers of the tournament. His performances caught the attention of cricketing circles, leading to his international debut. In his first international series, Suryavanshi not only showcased his batting skills but also won the Player of the Series award, marking a breakthrough in his career. Dravid pointed out that Suryavanshi's exposure to white-ball cricket has provided him with valuable experience, which could translate well into Test cricket. However, he acknowledged the need for patience, noting that Suryavanshi has limited experience in red-ball cricket. Dravid stressed that while Suryavanshi's talent is evident, the Indian team must give him time to develop and adapt to the demands of Test cricket. The former coach also highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent to ensure the long-term growth of Test cricket. He believes that players like Suryavanshi, who can perform across all formats, are essential for the sport's future.#indian_cricket_team #rahul_dravid #vaibhav_suryavanshi #indian_premer_league #player_of_the_series

India's Chances of Qualifying for World Test Championship Final Remain Uncertain, Says Former Coach Rahul Dravid The Indian cricket team faces a challenging path to securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, according to former coach Rahul Dravid. Despite a strong performance against Sri Lanka, Dravid believes the team’s chances are slim due to the narrow margin for error in the current standings. India currently sits fifth in the points table, with the top two teams guaranteed a place in the final. To qualify, the team must win at least six of its remaining eight Test matches, a daunting task given the competition and upcoming fixtures. Dravid highlighted the difficulties ahead, particularly the series against New Zealand, where the team’s lack of experience on pace-friendly pitches could hinder their performance. He also pointed out the absence of key veterans such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, whose experience might be crucial in high-stakes matches. The team’s schedule includes two Tests against New Zealand and five against Australia, with the latter presenting a significant challenge as Australia leads the points table with 80% of the available points. The former coach emphasized that while India’s performance against Sri Lanka was commendable, the team must address its shortcomings to remain competitive. He warned that the absence of senior players and the need for younger talents to adapt to different playing conditions could affect their prospects. Dravid also noted the importance of maintaining player fitness and minimizing injuries, as the upcoming fixtures will test the squad’s resilience. Currently, the points table places India fifth, with Bangladesh in fourth and New Zealand third.#india #new_zealand #australia #rahul_dravid #world_test_championship

World Test Championship: Rahul Dravid Says India Can't Be Written Off India still has a chance to reach the final of the World Test Championship, according to former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid. The team currently holds the fifth position in the points table, and Dravid believes they have the potential to secure a spot in the final if they win most of their remaining matches. However, he emphasized that India cannot be written off, highlighting their capability to compete at the highest level. Dravid expressed confidence in India's ability to qualify for the final, stating that the team’s performance in the tournament has been commendable. He noted that while India is currently a few steps behind the leading teams, their quality and determination make them a serious contender. Dravid also praised their recent match against Sri Lanka, calling it a strong start to their campaign. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, which he described as a significant test of their mettle. India currently leads the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0 after a dominant performance in the second Test. Dravid highlighted that a victory in this series would not only earn them crucial points but also boost their confidence ahead of the next challenges. However, he warned that the path to the final remains difficult, with several high-stakes matches still to come. The next major challenge for India is the two-Test series against New Zealand, scheduled for October. Dravid described this as a critical opportunity for the team to showcase their strength and resilience. Following this, India will face a five-Test series against Australia, which will be another significant test of their endurance and adaptability.#india #new_zealand #sri_lanka #rahul_dravid #world_test_championship

Virat Kohli's upcoming ODI clash against England on July 16, 2026, holds immense significance as it could mark a pivotal moment in his career. The match, set to take place in Cardiff, is not just a test of skill but also a chance for Kohli to close the gap on his long-standing rival, Rahul Dravid, in the race for the highest run-scorer for India in England. Currently, Kohli stands at 2642 runs in the country, just 3 runs behind Dravid's 2645. A strong performance in Cardiff could propel him past the legendary batsman, cementing his legacy as one of India's greatest overseas performers. Kohli's prowess in England is well-documented, with his ability to adapt to the hostile conditions of the subcontinent's cricketing hotbed. His record across formats is equally impressive. In Test cricket, he has scored 1096 runs in 17 matches at an average of 33.21, including a highest score of 149. In ODIs, his tally of 1354 runs from 34 matches (average 50.14, strike rate 91.17) places him among the elite. His T20I exploits are no less remarkable, with 192 runs in 7 matches (average 32, strike rate 133.33). Collectively, these figures position him as a formidable force in international cricket. The Cardiff encounter also presents an opportunity for Kohli to challenge Rohit Sharma's record as India's highest run-scorer in England ODIs. Sharma currently holds the mark with 1439 runs from 28 matches. A score of 86 in Cardiff would see Kohli surpass Sharma, further solidifying his status as a dominant force in overseas conditions. Additionally, Kohli is on the cusp of achieving a personal milestone: 8000 career ODI runs. With 7935 runs to his name, a score of 65 in Cardiff would secure this landmark, placing him in an exclusive club of players who have achieved this feat. Kohli's achievements extend beyond individual stats.#virat_kohli #rohit_sharma #rahul_dravid #kumar_sangakara #cardiff

Rohit Sharma Honored with Padma Shri on 19th Anniversary of International Debut Rohit Sharma was conferred the Padma Shri award on June 23, 2026, marking a significant milestone in his cricketing career. The honor coincided with the 19th anniversary of his debut for India, which took place on June 23, 2007, in Belfast. Sharma, who began his international journey as a young player, reflected on the occasion through a social media post, writing, “23rd June bringing all kinds of magic,” as he celebrated his journey from a rookie to one of India’s most decorated cricketers. The symbolic date added a layer of narrative symmetry to his career, highlighting both personal achievement and historical significance for Indian cricket. Sharma’s career has been defined by record-breaking performances and leadership. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he amassed 11,720 runs at an average of 48.83, including the world record for the highest individual score of 264 and three double centuries. His contributions to team success were equally notable, as he led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, ending the nation’s long drought in ICC trophies. These achievements solidified his status as one of India’s most successful white-ball captains. The Padma Shri honor placed Sharma in an elite group of Indian cricketers recognized with the prestigious award. Joining him on the list were legends such as Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and contemporary stars like Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur. Since Kapil Dev’s first cricketing Padma Shri in 1982, the list has reflected the evolution of Indian cricket’s icons, with Sharma’s inclusion underscoring his enduring influence on the sport. The 2026 Padma Shri awards also highlighted the diversity of India’s sporting landscape.#sachin_tendulkar #rohit_sharma #rahul_dravid #kapil_dev #padma_shri

Rahul Dravid Becomes Owner of ETPL's Dublin Guardians Team Rahul Dravid, the former India cricket captain and T20 World Cup-winning coach, has been announced as the owner of the Dublin Guardians, one of the six teams in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The league, set to launch in August 2026, will feature franchises from Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. This marks the first ICC-sanctioned multi-country franchise T20 league in Europe, organized in partnership with Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association. Dravid’s ownership of the Dublin Guardians aligns with his long-standing commitment to cricket development. In a statement, he emphasized the league’s potential to grow the sport in Europe by fostering grassroots initiatives and creating pathways for emerging talent across Ireland and the continent. “Dublin already has a passionate cricketing community and enormous potential for growth,” he said. “Nurturing the next generation has always been important to me, and I believe ETPL can play a meaningful role in that journey.” The ETPL’s ownership structure includes a mix of cricketing legends and Bollywood personalities. Alongside Dravid, the league is co-owned by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan. Other notable owners include Glenn Maxwell (co-owner of the Irish Wolves), Steve Waugh (Amsterdam Flames), Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills (Edinburgh Castle Rockers), Chris Gayle (Glasgow Cosmic), and Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen (Rotterdam Dockers). Du Plessis and Maxwell will also participate as players, joining a roster that includes Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Mitchell Santner, and Liam Livingstone.#rahul_dravid #dublin_guardians #etpl #cricket_ireland #cricket_scotland

Rahul Dravid Acquires Dublin Guardians Franchise for European T20 Tournament India cricket icon Rahul Dravid has secured a significant role in the expansion of global cricket by becoming co-owner of the Dublin Guardians, the final franchise for the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The 53-year-old, renowned for his illustrious playing career and subsequent coaching tenure with the Indian national team from 2021 to 2024, has joined an Indian consortium to acquire the team, which will compete in the inaugural edition of the tournament. Dravid’s involvement marks a pivotal moment for the ETPL, which aims to elevate the profile of T20 cricket across Europe. Dravid, who played 164 Test matches and 344 one-day internationals for India, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “It’s absolutely brilliant to be involved. When I first heard about this it was really exciting.” He highlighted his admiration for the passion and energy of European cricket, emphasizing the potential for growth and development. “I’ve seen the passion of grassroots cricket and the talent showcased in the T20 World Cup. That’s something we can grow and build. It would be a dream to see the talent on the world stage.” The Dublin Guardians will be captained by former India spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from Test cricket in December 2024 and stepped away from the Indian Premier League last summer. Ashwin’s transition to the ETPL aligns with his desire to continue competing at the highest level while contributing to the league’s growth. His leadership is expected to bring a blend of experience and strategic acumen to the team.#ravichandran_ashwin #rahul_dravid #dublin_guardians #etpl #cricket_ireland

Birthday Special: KL Rahul's Evolving Role in the Indian Team KL Rahul, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, has consistently adapted to different roles within the team, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the sport. Born on April 18, 1992, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Rahul grew up in a cricketing environment that has produced legendary players like Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, and Venkatesh Iyer. This rich legacy inspired him to pursue cricket as a career. Rahul made his first-class debut for Karnataka in 2010, quickly establishing himself as a reliable performer in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His ability to adapt to various formats and roles became a hallmark of his career. Initially, he played as the sixth batter in Test matches, but his role shifted over time. In ODIs, he often opened the innings, though his position has changed multiple times depending on team needs. For instance, during the 2023 ICC World Cup, he also took up wicketkeeping to provide the team with an extra batting option. Currently, Rahul bats at the top of the order in Tests and occupies the fourth or fifth position in ODIs, while he has been excluded from T20 formats for some time. His leadership qualities were also evident, as he briefly captained the Indian team across all formats. Under his captaincy, India secured 10 wins in ODIs, 2 in Tests, and 1 in T20s. However, the role eventually transitioned to other players. Rahul's career statistics reflect his consistency. In Tests, he has scored 4,053 runs from 67 matches, including 11 centuries and 20 half-centuries. In ODIs, he amassed 3,360 runs from 94 matches, with 8 centuries and 20 half-centuries, averaging 50.90. His T20 contributions include 2,265 runs from 72 matches, featuring 2 centuries and 22 half-centuries.#rahul_dravid #anil_kumble #venkatesh_iyer #indian_team #kl_rahul

First Cricketer to Take Wicket on IPL Debut: Ishant Sharma's Historic Achievement Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian batsman, became the first player to be dismissed on the very first ball of an IPL match when he was bowled by Ishant Sharma during the 2008 tournament. This historic moment occurred in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League, which was held in 2008. Dravid, then captaining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), faced Sharma, who was playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The dismissal marked a significant milestone in IPL history, as Sharma became the first bowler to achieve this feat. The match in question was between KKR and RCB, and Sharma’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He dismissed Dravid on the first ball of the innings, a moment that would be remembered for years. Dravid, known for his batting prowess, was caught off the first delivery bowled by Sharma, which was a rare occurrence. This incident not only highlighted Sharma’s skill but also set a precedent for future IPL players. In 2026, the record was matched by Gurjapnit Singh, who took the wicket of Akshar Patel on his IPL debut. Patel, a Delhi Capitals player, was dismissed by Singh in the first over of the match. This achievement made Singh the 11th bowler to accomplish this feat in IPL history. The list of such players includes names like Ishant Sharma, Wilkin Mota, S. Vidyut, Ravi Teja, Shane Harwood, Amit Singh, Charl Langeveldt, Kevin Petersen, Ali Murtaza, TP Sudhindra, Adam Gilchrist, Hanuma Vihari, Alzarri Joseph, Devdutt Padikkal, Mathew Pather, Ashwini Kumar, and Gurjapnit Singh. Ishant Sharma’s achievement in 2008 was a defining moment for his career. He was signed by KKR for a then-record price of 3.81 crore rupees.#kolkata_knight_riders #rahul_dravid #royal_challengers_bangalore #ipl #ishant_sharma

Mohammad Amir Breaks Silence On India's T20 World Cup 2026 Win After Predictions Backfire India’s victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where they defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final, has sparked reactions from former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir. Amir, who had previously predicted that India would not reach the semifinals, found himself in the spotlight after his forecasts proved incorrect. His comments during the post-match show Harna Maana Hai highlighted his frustration with the team’s success. Amir initially gained attention for accurately predicting India’s loss to South Africa in the Super 8 stage, a result that led to his fellow panelists on Pakistan TV jokingly referring to him as an “astrologer.” However, his confidence wavered when he forecast India’s elimination from the tournament. This proved to be a misstep, as India progressed to the semifinals and eventually claimed the title. During the post-match segment, Amir was asked about India’s triumph and responded with a mix of sarcasm and disappointment. He remarked, “They won, that’s fine; they’ll take the cup home. They won’t bring it to my house. Well done…” India’s victory marked their third T20 World Cup title, making them the first team to achieve this feat and the first to defend their title at home. The final victory over New Zealand, a 96-run margin, solidified their dominance. Coach Gautam Gambhir credited the team’s success to the players and acknowledged the contributions of past legends. He stated, “My accountability is not for people on Social Media. My accountability is to those 30 people in that change room,” emphasizing his focus on the team’s performance. Gambhir also dedicated the win to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, recognizing their roles in shaping the team’s success.#india #new_zealand #gautam_gambhir #mohammad_amir #rahul_dravid

Arjun Tendulkar And Saaniya Chandhok's Wedding : अर्जुन तेंडुलकर-सानिया चांडोक लग्नबंधनात! पहिला फोटो आला समोर या दिग्गज क्रिकेटरनं शेअर केला खास फोटो Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, married Saaniya Chandhok on March 5, 2026, in a grand ceremony at the Saint Regis Hotel in Mumbai. The wedding was held in a royal setup, drawing attention from prominent figures across cricket, business, politics, and Bollywood. Many esteemed guests attended the event, including former cricketers like Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, and Anil Kumble. Suresh Rain, a former cricketer, shared a special photo of Arjun and Saaniya with the Tendulkar family at the wedding venue. The image captured the couple’s first glimpse of their new life together. Arjun wore a traditional red kurta for the ceremony, while Saaniya opted for a red saree, completing her wedding look. Sachin Tendulkar and his wife Anjali also attended the event, dressed in traditional attire that reflected the cultural significance of the occasion. The wedding marked a significant milestone for the Tendulkar family, blending cricketing legacy with personal celebration. The event highlighted the close-knit relationships within the cricketing community and the broader entertainment industry. Attendees included not only sports icons but also business leaders and celebrities, underscoring the event’s popularity and cultural impact. The couple’s choice of attire, rooted in traditional Indian fashion, emphasized the importance of heritage in their union. Arjun’s red kurta and Saaniya’s saree were described as perfect representations of their wedding style. The ceremony’s royal ambiance and the presence of high-profile guests underscored the significance of the occasion, which was celebrated as a blend of tradition and modernity.#arjun_tendulkar #sachin_tendulkar #saaniya_chandhok #ms_dhoni #rahul_dravid