Former Indian cricketer and current coach Rahul Dravid recently shared his thoughts on the evolution of Indian cricket, emphasizing how the game has expanded its reach to every corner of the country. Speaking during the 50th anniversary celebration of Mount Joy Club, Dravid highlighted the immense growth in talent and the strong foundation that club and domestic cricket have provided.
Dravid mentioned how Indian cricket has become a “very powerful” force, thanks to the increasing number of players emerging from smaller towns and rural areas. “In the past, most cricketers came from big cities or certain states, but now talent comes from everywhere. It’s great to see players from remote areas making their way into the national team,” said Dravid.
The former Indian captain also noted the importance of club cricket in shaping young cricketers. “Back in the day, players from smaller towns had to move to bigger cities to showcase their skills. But now, with improved infrastructure and better opportunities in domestic cricket, players are thriving from wherever they are,” he added.
Using the Ranji Trophy as an example, Dravid pointed out the rising level of competition in domestic cricket. “Earlier, when I played in the South Zone, we felt a bit more confident against certain teams. But now, no team can be taken lightly. Every team is strong and well-prepared,” he remarked.
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Dravid’s insights reflect his deep connection with the game and his pride in the way Indian cricket has progressed. As a player, Dravid had an illustrious career, representing India in 164 Tests, 344 ODIs, and one T20. He scored 13,288 runs in Tests and 10,889 in ODIs, establishing himself as one of India’s greatest cricketers. Today, he continues to contribute to Indian cricket as a mentor and coach, guiding the next generation of talent from all parts of the country.