Former Indian coach and star Rahul Dravid showed deep emotion during his farewell in the Indian dressing room. His final day as head coach is significant in Indian cricket history, marking the end of India’s 13-year pursuit of a World Cup title. His heartfelt goodbye touched fans and players alike, signifying the close of one era and the start of a new phase in Indian cricket. Dravid’s leadership and commitment played a crucial role in guiding the team to this awaited victory, making his farewell a poignant moment that cricket fans will remember for a long time.
Rahul Dravid’s Heartfelt Message for One Last Time as Head Coach:
Under Dravid’s coaching, Rohit Sharma’s team defeated South Africa in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, winning the T20 World Cup by a margin of seven runs. This victory marked India’s first World Cup triumph since their ODI title in 2011 and their first T20 championship since 2007.
It was Dravid’s sixth and last chance at a World Cup—three as a player and three as a coach. It’s no surprise he was emotional when Virat Kohli presented him with the trophy. As a former India captain, he experienced a devastating group-stage exit in the 2007 ODI World Cup in the Caribbean. However, in 2024, he achieved a memorable farewell as a coach with this triumphant exit.
In a video shared by BCCI, while speaking to the players in the dressing room hours after India’s win on June 29, 2024, Dravid expressed that while the specifics of runs and wickets might fade, everyone would remember the intricate details of their World Cup triumph.
Rahul Dravid said, “I’m really short of words but all I just want to say is thank you to everyone for making me a part of what is an incredible memory. All of you will remember these moments. We always say, it is not about the runs, it is not about the wickets, you never remember your career but you remember moments like this, so let’s really enjoy.”
He further said, “I could not be more proud of you guys, to come back the way you did, the way you fought, the way we worked as a team… the resilience. There has been some disappointment over the years where we have come close, we have never been able to cross the line.”
He added, “But what this bunch of boys has done, what all of you have done, what everyone in the support staff has done, the hard work that we put in, the sacrifices that we made… the whole country is really really proud of each and everyone of you and what you have achieved, and all of you should be.”
Rahul Dravid Thanks Other Colleagues of Him:
During the event attended by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, Dravid highlighted the sacrifices made by those close to each player, enabling them to shine in the spotlight. He further said, “So many sacrifices that each and everyone of you make, to see your families here today enjoying it, so many of your families back home, just think about all the sacrifices, each and everyone of them has made since the time you were kids, for you to be here in the dressing room.”
He added, “Today, your parents, your wives, your children, your brother, your coaches, so many people have made so many sacrifices and worked so hard with you for you to enjoy this memory in this moment… really, really proud to have being a part of this memory with you guys.”
Known for his eloquence, Dravid expressed his difficulty in finding words but commended the team for their respectful attitude towards the departing coaching staff. He said, “I’m not usually short of words but on a day like today, for me to be part of this, I could not be more grateful for the respect, for the kindness, for the effort that each and everyone of you are shown to me, to my coaching staff to my support staff.”
While praising each support staff and their hard work, he said, “Behind a great team, there is also a successful organisation and we have to acknowledge the work of BCCI and people behind the scenes for the work they have done. Each one of us comes through a system that gives us the opportunity to go and play, thank you very much.”
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