Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar feels Rahul Dravid will handle his new responsibility as head coach of the Indian team in the same “safe and strong” manner as he went about his batting while playing for the country.

Dravid, one of the greatest batsmen to have played for India, was appointed as the head coach following the end of Ravi Shastri’s tenure earlier this month.

“When he used to play, we used to think that till Rahul Dravid is at the crease, the Indian batting is safe and strong,” Gavaskar said on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues’.

“This is the reason why I believe that the new responsibility of head coach that falls upon him, he will be able to handle it in a similar way.”

The next big ICC event is the 2022 T20 World Cup, which takes place in Australia from October 16. The journey of India’s preparation began on Wednesday when a new-look Team India took on New Zealand in the first of three T20Is.

Highlighting the similarities between Rohit Sharma, who took over as T20 skipper from Virat Kohli, and Dravid, Gavaskar said the two men will work well together easily.

“If you look at both of their temperaments, they are quite similar. Rohit is of a quiet nature, just like Rahul Dravid. So I think their bond will be quite good because both of them will understand each other well,” Gavaskar said.

The BCCI has also confirmed VVS Laxman’s availability as head of cricket at the National Cricket Academy, the post vacated by Dravid. The former Indian captain has already put a system in place making the task a bit easier for his former teammate.

Iyer eager to learn

Newcomer Venkatesh Iyer is looking to learn whatever Dravid has to offer.

“I want to learn whatever I can with Rahul sir being a stalwart and he has lots to share,” he told bcci.tv. “It’s about how we will pick things depending upon what’s asked of us and I have come with a blank mind and whatever comes in, I will take it in that manner.”