Ricky Ponting expressed surprise over Rahul Dravid becoming India’s coach, said- I also got the offer

Ricky Ponting on Rahul Dravid: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting on Thursday revealed that he was approached for the position of Team India’s coach, but he declined as he was short of time. Along with this, Ponting also expressed surprise at Rahul Dravid becoming the head coach of Team India.

Ponting said on the Grade Cricketer podcast that he had talked to some people about this during the IPL. According to Ponting, who is currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals, “The people I spoke to were very keen to work with me. But I told them that I cannot devote that much time.”

On the other hand, Ponting is surprised that Rahul Dravid became the head coach of Team India. According to Ponting, “I am very surprised that Dravid has taken up this job. I do not know about his family life, but I know that he does not have young children. So he agreed to become a coach, as I said.” Dravid’s coaching stint with the Indian senior team began with a five-wicket win in the first T20I against New Zealand in Jaipur on Wednesday.

Dravid to remain coach till 2023 World Cup

Rahul Dravid has been appointed as the head coach of Team India for two years till the 50-over World Cup to be held in India in 2023. Dravid was the first choice of BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah, who spoke to him in Dubai to persuade him to apply for the post. After Dravid’s application, the BCCI did not need to look into any other application.

The 48-year-old Dravid, one of India’s greatest players, was in charge of the India A and U-19 system for six years. Under his supervision, players like Rishabh Pant, Avesh Khan, Prithvi Shaw, Hanuma Vihari and Shubman Gill have traveled from junior level to the national team.