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Watson backs Dravid for top India post

Veteran allrounder says former Rajasthan colleague would excel as coach of India

Shane Watson believes Rahul Dravid would make an "incredible" coach of India, after the legendary Indian batsman was again linked with the top job. 

Dravid, who played 164 Tests and scored more than 13,000 runs, was reportedly approached by the BCCI to take on the role following India's semi-final defeat in the World T20 at the end of March, when team director Ravi Shastri's temporary tenure came to an end.

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Watson, 34, played for Australia against Dravid and also with the man dubbed 'The Wall' as part of the Rajasthan Royals. 

The Aussie allrounder has regularly expressed his own interest in mentoring the next generation in some capacity, in likes what he sees in Dravid's leadership and tutelage. 

"At the starting point, there is no doubt about the quality of person Rahul Dravid is," Watson was reported as saying in the New Indian Express.

"I was very fortunate to know him well while working with him at Rajasthan Royals (first as the captain) and (later as the) mentor and then learning about his cricketing abilities.

"There is no doubt that he will do an incredible job if he gets the chance to coach India and also with Virat Kohli who is continuing to grow in this IPL as a leader.

"He is an incredible man. He has an amazing amount of experience to pass on to the youngsters."

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Earlier this month, former Australia Test captain Ricky Ponting spoke along similar lines. 

"It's not my decision to make and it depends on what BCCI are looking for; do they want an Indian coach or an overseas one?" Ponting said.

"I don't think the BCCI will find many better candidates than someone like (Dravid).

"If he's interested in doing the job, he will do a good job. He’s got a lot of knowledge, is very experienced and understands all three formats because he has worked in IPL.

"He will be a great candidate but it depends on what the BCCI thinks is the best fit for the Indian cricket team and also depends on what the captain wants.

"Whatever Virat (Kohli) wants around the Test team, I am sure the BCCI will listen to him."

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