With the primary Team India side in England ahead of their five-match Test series, a second-string side took on Sri Lanka in the first of the three ODIs. The team, comprising of several uncapped players and rookies, got off to a fantastic start. They defeated the home side handsomely in the opening ODI and already look like a well-oiled unit.

Former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar has showered praise on batting great Rahul Dravid, who is also playing the role of head coach for the side in Sri Lanka. Agarkar has said that Dravid does not need to audition to qualify as the head coach of the senior Team India side.

Several people believe that Rahul Dravid, who has done a magnificent job in fast-tracking several youngsters and transforming the culture of Indian cricket, deserves to be the head coach of the senior side. What has fuelled these speculations lately is the fact that current coach Ravi Shastri’s contract is supposed to end after the T20 World Cup in UAE later this year.

While speaking on Sony Liv’s pre-match show ahead of the first ODI, Ajit Agarkar spoke about the time Dravid led the Indian Under 19 Team to victory in 2018. That young squad comprised of players like Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill.

“I think Rahul needs no audition. Ravi Shastri has not been doing anything wrong except that loss in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Under-19 team has benefited, other coaches at the NCA and state associations have also helped him.”

Meanwhile, former Indian batsman and head coach of the women’s team, WV Raman has also thrown his weight behind Dravid becoming the men’s team head coach.

“I won’t want to talk about the time frame but Dravid taking over as full-time head coach is likely to happen, maybe some time in future. I can’t be indulging in crystal ball glazing and say when it will happen but it will happen whenever Dravid is ready. In fact, there has been a lot of talk going around for the last four-five years. It’ll happen when he feels he’s ready to take the travel,” Raman said.