Dominica, West Indies: The much-anticipated West Indies tour begins as Team India, led by head coach Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli, sets foot on the Caribbean islands to kick off the new cycle of the World Test Championship on a positive note. As the team gears up for the series, Dravid and Kohli took a moment to reflect on their journey and reminisce about their time together on the islands in 2011.
A decade ago, Dravid and Kohli were teammates representing the Indian Test team during their previous visit to the West Indies. Fast forward to the present day, and they find themselves in altered roles, with Dravid now returning as the head coach and Kohli having established himself as a proven match-winner.
As the team arrived in Dominica, the duo shared fond memories of their previous visit and expressed their excitement about returning to the islands. Dravid acknowledged the significance of their presence, saying, “When I came here back in 2011, it was very special for the island and the ground here.” He further highlighted the unique aspect of his return, now as the head coach, and bringing a new team to the Caribbean.
Recalling Kohli’s early days in the Indian Test team, Dravid praised the young batsman’s talent and potential. “I remember Virat, it was his first Test series with the Indian team. He was this young kid who had done really well in One Day cricket and was just finding his feet a little bit in Test cricket, but you could see there was something special there,” Dravid reminisced. Recognising Kohli’s growth and transformation into a senior player, Dravid added, “He can be very proud of his journey.”
Kohli, now an established stalwart of Indian cricket, expressed his gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that shaped his career. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “I certainly never thought I’d come here as a coach 10 years later, but it is nice to have seen that journey, seen him grow from being a youngster to a senior player on the trip.”
As Team India prepares to take on the West Indies in a series comprising two Tests, three ODIs, and a five-match T20I series, the cricket-loving nation eagerly awaits the performances of their beloved team. With Dravid’s guidance as head coach and Kohli’s leadership on the field, expectations are high for a successful campaign away from home.
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