Rahul Dravid to focus on Tests vs South Africa, Sitanshu Kotak to coach in ODIs
In a major development for Team India ahead of their upcoming three-game ODI series against South Africa, It was informed that the regular coaching staff of Rahul Dravid will not be present in the upcoming ODI series. With over 75 players present in South Africa for the multi-format series, there have been many shuffles in the squads, and the coaching staff has been subjected to a shuffling as well.
Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has often filled in for Dravid in his absence; however, the same is not the case this time around. It is worth noting that instead of coaching India in the ODI series, Dravid’s team will be overseeing the three-day match to be played in Pretoria from December 20 to 22, ahead of the Test series.
The coaching staff for the three-game ODI series will be led by Sitanshu Kotak and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff. According to several reports, Ajay Ratra will serve as the fielding coach, and Rajib Dutta, associated with the NCA, will be the bowling coach in the ODI series.
Dravid’s team is focusing fully on the longest format and preparing to get off to a positive start to the World Test Championship table. The first Test is scheduled from December 26 at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion.
India look to recoup after T20I series draw
Team India will be keen on putting in good performances for the upcoming matches after drawing the T20I series. The clash began with the first T20I being abandoned after rain played spoilsport.
The second T20I saw the Proteas register a brilliant win. Finding themselves in quite a fix, the Men in Blue had to win the third T20I to level the series, and the Suryakumar Yadav-led side did just that as they registered a mammoth win against the hosts to level the series.
However, the side will look to further improve in the ODI series and the two Test matches as well. It is worth noting that KL Rahul will lead India in the ODI matches, with Rohit Sharma being the skipper in Tests.
