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If Rahul Dravid wants India’s national coach job, he must have desire first: JP Duminy

JP Duminy is currently playing under the guidance of Rahul Dravid for IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils, who have still two more matches to

JP Duminy (left) and Rahul Dravid (extreme right) have got a lot of difference for DD in IPL 2016 Photo Courtesy: Twitter (iamjia29).
JP Duminy (left) and Rahul Dravid (extreme right) have got a lot of difference for DD in IPL 2016 Photo Courtesy: Twitter (iamjia29).

After Rahul Dravid achieved support from Ricky Ponting and Sunil Gavaskar as India’s next heads coach, JP Duminy has backed Dravid for the same as well. He just cleared the air mentioning if Dravid needs the job, the legend needs to have the desire. JP Duminy is playing under mentorship of Dravid for IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils (DD). DD have two matches pending against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) that is to be played at Raipur on Friday and their final match will be played against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Chhattisgarh. Earlier, Dravid was the mentor for Rajasthan Royal (RR) who are banned for two years along with another IPL franchise team Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Duminy has shown on and off performance in this season of IPL, although his performance in the middle has boosted DD on many occasions. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD, Delhi Daredevils vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2016, Match 52 at Delhi

In conversation with Telegraph, Duminy made some special revelations, “If Dravid himself wants the job… He’s first got to have that desire. Dravid has done his apprenticeship. Worked with India A, the India U-19s and mentored teams in the IPL. He’s through with the hard yards, now he has to make an important call.” When he was asked about his experience of working with Dravid, Duminy replied enthusiastically: “It has been great. What stands out is Rahul’s man-management. When a mentor or coach deals with international players, it’s not about teaching technique, but getting the best out of everybody. That is what coaching and mentoring is all about. Rahul is aware of what is required, knows how to get the best out of the franchise’s players.” ALSO READ: DD vs SRH, IPL 2016, Match 52 at Raipur, Preview: DD-SRH clash in crucial fixture

Duminy has seen Dravid’s both sides, as a player as well as mentor for the current IPL team. Dravid retired from international cricket in 2012. When it comes to coaching India, Dravid has never committed himself for the same. The 43-year-old Indian batsman has always highlighted on focusing on young family. Since 2015, India have not had any particular coach and India’s cricketer Ravi Shastri has handled all the decisions as Team Director. However, Shastri’s contract ended with India’s exit from ICC World T20 2016. The call for a new coach has to be decided soon with India-West Indies Tests series coming up along with Zimbabwe tour.

Gavaskar also felt that no need to look beyond Dravid as the coach. As for Ponting gelt, the board need not look beyond Dravid as the best candidate. As for DD’s current status in IPL is dicey as they have lost previous few matches and every match her eon becomes important. Duminy remains optimistic about the next few ties, “You know, when you’re in a corner, you’re pushed into being at your best. We’re looking at Friday first and, then, Sunday. We are focused.”

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