Ahead of India's T20 series against New Zealand, newly-appointed head coach Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma addressed the press.
India is scheduled to take on New Zealand in Jaipur on 17th November. It is their first tour days after a disappointing World Cup. It is also the beginning of a new era owing to managerial changes. Not to forget that captaincy has also been handed to Rohit.
The selectors and BCCI decided to give rest to Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and bring in the younger lot for the series.
Among such quick transitions and changes in a short period of time, a room full of journalists was ready with questions for the duo. In a conversation, for about 20 minutes the highlights from the press conference are as follows.
Rohit Sharma: " Need to fix certain holes in the team"
While responding to a question about whether team India would revamp their side, Rohit stated that team India needs to fill up certain holes in the team that widened up during the World Cup. Adding on he said that India will stick to its own template and not adopt a playing template of any other nation.
Rohit: New inclusion in Squads to be defined a role in the team
While referring to young players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Venkatesh Iyer. Rohit added that their role on the Indian side is different than their domestic side or in competitions such as Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Hence their role would be defined in the team.
Rahul Dravid: No separate teams
One of the highlights of the conference was Rahul Dravid quashing the fact that there would be separate teams for separate formats.
Rahul Dravid: Mental Health Is Important
Dravid emphasized focusing on the mental health of the players as along with the physical fitness, making sure his players remain mentally fit is an important part of his coaching tenure.
Keeping the mental health in focus, he mentioned that he is looking to strike a balance between long-term plans for team India as well as immediate targets.
Rahul: Coaching India will differ slightly from Coaching Under-19.
Responding to a journalist's question on his coaching techniques. Dravid said that the core principles will remain the same. However, coaching India will differ slightly from the Under-19 side.
Further commenting on his philosophy, The wall said " A coach should be able to mold themselves to get better of players".
Giving rest to players is a part of workload management.
Coach Dravid acknowledged the workload that players go through. And giving rest to key players is a part of it.
Rohit: Virat's Role To Remain The Same
One of the most awaited questions was finally answered by the skipper Rohit Sharma when he clarified that Virat's role will remain the same. He further praised the ex-captain.
While concluding the conference, both Rohit and Rahul recalled their first meeting back in 2007, when the present captain debuted under Rahul's captaincy. And the duo was full of praise for each other.
Watch here the full press conference
