Rahul Dravid assesses India head coach Gautam Gambhir following his Test debut against Bangladesh

On Thursday, Gambhir started his Test cricket journey as India began their home season against Bangladesh. Dravid praised Gambhir, stating that his experience as both a player and coach in the IPL would make him a great future coach.

IND vs BAN Live Score 1st Test Day 2

"He (Gambhir) has got a lot of experience, as a player also he has played a lot, he obviously coached quite a bit. I am sure he will be great," said Dravid, who coached India to the T20 World Cup title in June.

"In any situation everyone brings his own experience and knowledge to the table. I am sure the team will benefit from everything that Gautam brings to them with his team," he added.

Under Dravid, the Indian team also reached the final of ODI World Cup and World Test Championship. India begin their Test season under Gambhir on Thursday. The team will be playing 10s Test over the next four months including two against Bangladesh, three against New Zealand before travelling to Australia for a five match series.

Before Gambhir started his journey as India's head coach, Dravid sent an audio message via BCCI to wish him luck.

"I know how dedicated and passionate you are about Indian cricket, and I'm sure you will bring all these qualities to this new job," he said.

Dravid told Gambhir that expectations would be sky-high and scrutiny would be intense, but during the worst of times, his team of players, support staff, legends of the sport, and highly demanding and passionate fans would always have his back.

"From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back and even if it's difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people. I wish you the very best Gautam and I am sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights," concluded Dravid.