For the first time in the history of Indian cricket, two coaches are operating at the same time. At Colombo, Rahul Dravid has taken charge of India's limited-overs team which will play three ODIs and three T20Is against Sri Lanka starting Sunday. Some almost 9000 kilometers away, in Durham, head coach Ravi Shastri is overlooking proceedings of the Test team, which is at the Emirates Riverside, preparing for a three-day warm-up game.
Current captain of India's ODI and T20I team, Shikhar Dhawan – who has worked under both Shastri and Dravid – was asked how familiar or different are the coaching styles of both. In reply, the India opener said he has enjoyed preparing under both.
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"They (Dravid and Shastri) both have their own qualities and they both are very positive people. I have spent time with Ravi Bhai (Ravi Shastri) and their ways to motivate are different," Dhawan said during a virtual press conference on the eve of the opening ODI. "Ravi Bhai's energy is a bit strong, whereas Rahul Bhai (Rahul Dravid) is very calm, composed and strong as well, so everyone has their own way and I enjoy playing under both of them."
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{{/usCountry}}India have a strong spin depth in the squad, with the duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav in the mix. Having last played an ODI together during the 2019 World Cup in the game against England, it will be interesting to see whether India include one of the two or both. However, Dhawan indicated that one more spinner, leggie Rahul Chahar is equally in the mix.
"Of course, they (Kuldeep and Chahal) share a great chemistry. They have played so many matches, bowling really well. Even Rahul is a great spinner. We have a bunch of boys bowing well, they are on top of their game and you will see them bowling well," Dhawan mentioned.