Wriddhiman Saha recently informed the press that during a one-on-one chat, head coach Rahul Dravid advised him to think about retiring. This marks the end of a distinguished career for the wicket-keeper, who made history as the first person to score a hundred in an IPL final, following the conclusion of the South Africa tour. Addressing the leak of this private discussion, Dravid stated he felt no resentment toward Saha for making their confidential conversation public.
Dravid spoke highly of the impact and achievements of Bengal's cricketers within the Indian team. He believed that being truthful with Saha was the right thing to do, regardless of how tough the news was. The coach reiterated his commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with all squad members, noting that he prefers a culture of continuous and honest communication.
The former captain acknowledged that players won't always see eye-to-eye with his evaluations. He clarified that the suggestion for Saha to retire stemmed from the fact that Rishabh Pant has cemented his spot as the top wicket-keeper batter, leaving the management to prioritize the growth of newcomers like KS Bharat. Dravid concluded by saying that this professional shift doesn't change his admiration for Saha.
Dravid shared that his coaching approach involves challenging and questioning players even during the selection process for the starting XI. He understands that these blunt discussions can be upsetting or hurtful in the moment, but he believes delivering the harsh truth is essential. In his view, players will eventually appreciate his willingness to be direct and honest with them.