The BCCI must rush Dravid to Australia to help the team: Dilip Vengsarkar

After witnessing a dismal batting show on Saturday, former India cricketers have raised their voices on what actually went wrong and what changes would be necessary.

Speaking to Times of India, former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to immediately convince former India and Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, Rahul Dravid to travel to Australia for mentoring the players. Vengasarkar believes that Dravid would be an invaluable asset to the team for the remainder of the series. It is also key to note that captain Virat Kohli is heading back home for the birth of his first child.

When such is a situation, former captain Dravid’s presence will be a “huge boost” for Team India.

"The BCCI must rush Dravid to Australia to help the team. No one can guide the batsmen better on how to play the moving ball in those conditions. His presence will be a huge boost to the Indian team in the nets. In any case, the NCA has been shut due to Covid for the past nine months, leaving him with little to do," Dilip Vengsarkar told Times of India.

The director of National Cricket Academy (NCA) is known for his batting perfection, and presence in the Indian dugout would mean so much to the team, and would definitely result in a positive outcome.

"The Board can make a better use of Dravid by utilising his services to help the national team, which will be without skipper Virat Kohli from now (last three Tests),” the 64-year-old added.

Vengsarkar also spoke of a mandatory two-week quarantine, which would be in effect on overseas arrival, suggesting that Dravid's expertise could well be used before the third Test after all the formalities get completed.

"Even if he has to serve a mandatory two-week quarantine period, he should be available for helping the Indian team at the nets before the third Test in Sydney, which will begin from January 7," Vengsarkar said.

Australia lead the four-match Border Gavaskar series 1-0, with three more Tests to be played.

[With TOI inputs]