BCCI president Anurag Thakur has revealed that Anil Kumble was not the first choice to coach the Indian cricket team and the board had approached Rahul Dravid for the top job. Dravid is currently the coach of U-19 and India A teams and has also managed Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.
Batting great Rahul Dravid marked Rishabh Pant as a 'very important player' for India in the near future, basing his prediction on the exemplary courage the youngster showed in overcoming a personal tragedy.
'Well, we got 230 in the first match and then almost 200 in this match, without Gayle firing. Guess what would happen when he fires' 'Four guys -- Gayle, AB de Villiers, myself and Shane Watson -- of international calibre playing in one team, it always helps. You can rely on those four and turn the game for you'
With it's scandalous past, still fresh in the minds of fans and critics alike, the Indian Premier League (IPL) organisers will look to ensure that the focus remains firmly on cricket when the cash-rich event gets underway with a glamorous opening ceremony on Tuesday.