In a poignant moment of celebration following India’s T20 World Cup victory over South Africa, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma paid a heartfelt tribute to the outgoing head coach, Rahul Dravid. Sharma’s remarks during the post-match press conference underscored the immense respect and admiration he and his team hold for Dravid, who has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket for the past two decades.
As the T20 World Cup concluded with India’s seven-run victory over South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, the win marked not just a significant triumph for Indian cricket but also the culmination of Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the team’s head coach. Sharma expressed that Dravid, more than any player, deserved the T20 World Cup trophy for his unwavering contributions to Indian cricket.
“Rahul Dravid, more than anyone of us, deserved the World Cup trophy. What he has done for Indian cricket for the past 20-25 years… I think this was the only thing that was left in his cabinet,” Sharma said, reflecting on Dravid’s illustrious career and the profound impact he has had on the team and Indian cricket as a whole. Sharma continued, “We are very happy from all of us, on behalf of the entire team, that we could do this for him. You saw how proud he was and how excited he was.”
The victory was not only a personal achievement for the team but also a momentous occasion for Dravid, who, despite a decorated playing career, had never secured an ICC World Cup title as a player. Dravid was part of the Indian squad that reached the 2003 ODI World Cup final but fell to Australia, and he also led the team during the 2007 ODI World Cup, where India faced an early exit. Notably, Dravid was absent from the 2011 World Cup-winning squad under MS Dhoni.
Dravid’s coaching tenure, which began in earnest after his stint as the U-19 and India A coach, saw the Indian team reaching the finals of the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup, though they fell short in both instances against Australia. The 2024 T20 World Cup title, therefore, was a crowning achievement, breaking an 11-year ICC title drought for India and sealing Dravid’s legacy as a coach who could elevate the team to new heights.
During the post-match celebrations, Dravid’s usually calm and composed demeanor gave way to unrestrained joy as he lifted the trophy, a rare display of exuberance from the man known for his stoic presence. The emotional scenes were a testament to the significance of the victory for Dravid and the culmination of his efforts in leading the team.
Sharma’s comments highlighted the collective sentiment of the team. He praised Dravid for the meticulous processes he implemented and the strong bond he fostered within the squad. “This victory is a result of our strong bond and the systematic approach we’ve followed. It’s a proud moment for all of us, and I’m thrilled we could achieve this for Rahul, who has given so much to Indian cricket,” Sharma remarked.
As Dravid steps down from his role, his departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His legacy as a player and coach will continue to inspire future generations. His final act as coach was to lead India to T20 World Cup glory, a fitting end to a storied career filled with contributions to the game.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged Dravid’s incredible coaching achievements, recognizing his role in shaping Indian cricket’s success and expressing hopes for many more trophies in the future. Modi’s endorsement reflects a broader appreciation for Dravid’s impact on the sport.
Looking forward, both Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid are optimistic about the future of Indian cricket. Sharma expressed hope that the team would continue to build on this success, while Dravid, in his final address as coach, assured that Indian cricket would see many more victories in the coming years.
In summary, the T20 World Cup victory not only ended a significant title drought for Indian cricket but also celebrated the remarkable contributions of Rahul Dravid. As he leaves his position, Dravid’s legacy is firmly established, and the foundation he has laid will benefit Indian cricket for years to come.
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