'He commands, not demands respect' - Aakash Chopra, Harbhajan Singh laud India coach Rahul Dravid

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra feels India will only further rise in Test cricket under new coach Rahul Dravid, as the longest format is “very close” to the legendary cricketer’s heart.

Notably, India thrived in Test cricket like never before under Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri combination, with the format being their priority being no secret. With Dravid at the helm after Shastri’s exit from the scene, Chopra feels India just need to continue with the same zeal like before.

“If you talk about Test cricket, it’s very interesting that this format is very close to Rahul Dravid’s heart and the same can be said for Virat Kohli in regards to Test matches. The direction in which the Indian cricket team plays, they just have to continue going in that direction,” Chopra said on Star Sports show Follow the Blues.

“Rahul Dravid he just commands respect, he doesn’t demand it. You know if Rahul is there, there is a natural feeling of respect for him because of what he has done, that’s one, and what he is as a person,” he added, applauding Dravid, a person of high stature.

Kohli-Rohit-Dravid trio should take Indian cricket to new heights: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, Chopra’s co-panellist, had similar views, as he explained what the presence of someone of Dravid’s calibre and expertise inside a dressing room means, however, he did point out that the team will need some time to gel with each other as India underwent a coaching overhaul after the 2021 T20 World Cup.

“The combination will obviously take some time for everyone to adjust to with new things, new processes that Rahul will bring onto the table and I think the triangle of these three [Rahul with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma] is joined to one another, Harbhajan said.

“They should be working together and take Indian cricket to new heights and with Rahul coming in, players will be given a lot of assurance. Players will be given good chances, there won’t be any unfair treatment and you’ll [not] be left out of the team, they will be given proper opportunities and that’s what Rahul Dravid will bring onto the table. He will bring a lot of stability to the team.”