Rahul Dravid has been a great coach, the coach's reputation is in the player's hands: Virender Sehwag

Former cricketer Virender Sehwag has emphasized India coach Rahul Dravid's vital role in identifying key team components and maximizing their potential during the forthcoming World Cup. India face a challenging schedule in the 2023 World Cup, with matches scheduled at nine different venues, the most among any of the ten participating teams.

Dravid, who suffered criticism after India's loss in the World Test Championship 2023 Final, will play a key role, much like Gary Kirsten did during India's World Cup victory in 2011. Kirsten's attitude of allowing players to practise according to their preferences was noted by Sehwag. He stated that Dravid's job will be to determine aspects like adequate practice lengths and essential breaks for the players, in order to optimize the squad's performance.

"During our time, Gary Kirsten allowed us to practice in the way we wanted. It is not necessary for Virender Sehwag to mimic Sachin Tendulkar's batting style and face a large number of deliveries," Sehwag was quoted as saying by India Today. 

"So to identify that, will be important for the Indian team management and their staff. So Rahul Dravid will have a big role in identifying these aspects like who should practice how much, who needs breaks and how I can get the best out of my players," Sehwag added.

Sehwag emphasized the importance of players in determining a coach's reputation. He noted that India's recent losses in the WTC Final drew more attention than their previous appearances in the final. Sehwag argued that players dictate the destiny of coaches, citing Kirsten's rise as a result of India's World Cup victory in 2011.

"Once a player steps onto the pitch, the coach's reputation is in the player's hands. If the player performs well, the coach is praised; otherwise, the coach is criticized. We made the WTC Final, but the focus is on the loss rather than the accomplishment of reaching the final twice. Rahul Dravid has been a great coach and a player, but at the end of the day, he can't go and play. If the player performs well, then Dravid will be praised."

Greatness is not created by a coach: Sehwag

Sehwag praised Rahul Dravid as a wonderful coach and player, but emphasized that Dravid is not going to participate in games physically. It's the players' job to do well once they enter the ground. He also said that Dravid's reputation is contingent on the performance of his players.

"Greatness is not created by a coach. As we saw with Gary Kirsten during the 2011 World Cup victory, it is the player who bestows brilliance on the coach. Kirsten has gone to many other countries and leagues but hasn't won anything since, with the exception of the IPL with GT, where he also had Nehra with him." Sehwag said.