Rahul Dravid rules out prioritising T20Is over other formats, different teams for different formats

There have been talks of the need to prioritise the shortest format of the game in the aftermath of India’s early exit from the T20 World Cup and it was expected by some that the new leadership group comprising of Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid and KL Rahul will bring about sweeping changes to focus on T20 cricket in order to prepare for the next edition of the world cup schooled only next year.

However, Dravid has outrightly rejected the idea of promoting one format over another and instead suggested that Team India will adjust to the realm and challenges of all three formats. He pointed out that all the three formats have their major events scheduled in the next few years and hence choosing one over another can be counterproductive.

“No there won't be any prioritising of formats. We have T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup then also World Test Championship,” said Dravid during his first press conference as India’s head coach.

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, players have had to endure most of their playing times inside biosecure bubbles and the outgoing coach Ravi Shastri had highlighted that players were “physically and mentally drained”. He had also attributed the team’s poor performance to the fatigue of players and it reignited the debate of putting the mental health of players as an important agenda for the team management.

It was suggested by one school of thought that India could opt for a separate bunch of players for each format that will enable players to be free of fatigue.

Dravid did not overlook the challenges and accepted the mental health of players as a priority but at the same time ruled out fielding different sides in different formats of the game.

“We are not looking at having separate teams. Of course, there are individuals who play only in certain formats. We must look at players' mental health... these are challenging times, especially for those who play every format. I will certainly look at this.”

“You have to strike a balance... you cannot neglect the long term future of players and their mental health. You have to focus on winning now but you also have to look at the long term effects. Striking a balance is important... that's my job as a coach.”

“Workload management is an important aspect of cricket. We see that in football too. The mental and physical well being of players will be a priority. We need to do a balancing act, have to work towards having players fit for the big tournaments.”

“Yes, workload management is important. Players aren't machines. We want all our players fresh for the challenges ahead. It's very simple, we have to monitor every series we play.”

Dravid is starting his full time coaching role with the Indian side with Rohit Sharma, who made his international debut under his captaincy way back in the year 2007. Dravid commended the “special talent” Rohit and credited him for maintaining his game for a longstanding career at the top.

“I knew from the start that Rohit is a special talent. Never imagined we'd be working in these roles together all these years later... he's a huge credit to the game. Carrying the legacy of Indian and Mumbai cricket isn't easy and he's done that with class,” Dravid praised Rohit.

The T20I and Test series against New Zealand is the first of many challenges that Dravid will have to face as the coach of the Indian Team and he is not at all treating the Blackcaps as “underdogs” for their brilliant record against India in the last few years, especially in the ICC events.

“New Zealand are a very very good side, make no mistake about it. You don't need me to say that. It's almost become fashionable to call them underdogs but that narrative has changed. They have beaten us in big games but therein lies an opportunity for us,” Dravid said.