T20 World Cup 2024: After a long 17-year wait, Team India became victorious in the T20 World Cup on Saturday in Barbados, defeating South Africa by a margin of 7 runs. Rahul Dravid’s final game as the Indian cricket team’s coach was the T20 World Cup final. Following the ODI World Cup last year, Dravid’s contract was about to expire, but the BCCI granted him a brief extension that would remain until the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup. After failing to win a championship while playing, the former captain of India finally held an ICC trophy after taking over as head coach in November 2021.
Dravid’s Emotional Thank You to Team After T20 Victory
Rahul Dravid gave a moving parting message to the squad in the Barbados changing room following the team’s victory. Rahul Dravid said, “I am really short of words but all I want to say is thank you to everyone for making me a part of what is an incredible memory.”
“I think all of you will remember this moments. It’s not about the runs, the wickets, you will not remember your career. But you will remember moments like these. I cannot be more prouder of you guys. To come back the way you did, the way you fought. The way we worked as a team. The resilience,” Dravid said in a video shared by the BCCI.
Dravid Acknowledges Team’s Journey and Sacrifices
Rahul Dravid Said, “There have been a few disappointments over the years where we have come close but we have not been able to cross the line. But what this bunch of boys has done, everyone in the support staff has done. The whole country is proud of each and every one of you on what you have achieved. There are so many sacrifices each of you have made.”
He added, “To see your families here today and so many of your families back home, think of all the sacrifices every one of them have made since the time you were kids. For you to be here in the dressing-room today, your parents, wives, children, brothers, your coaches. So many people have made so many sacrifices for you to enjoy this memory, this moment.”
Gratitude to Rohit Sharma
In addition, Dravid expressed gratitude to captain Rohit Sharma for pushing him to stay on as coach following India’s November loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad. Dravid said, “Thank you very much, Ro (Rohit), for making that call in November and asking me to continue. It’s been such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each and every one of you, but also with Ro. Thank you for your time.”
Dravid remarked, ” I know as captain and coach, there are a lot of times we have to chat. We have to agree; we have to disagree. It’s been brilliant to know each and every one of you” With the announcement of the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, India’s T20I team is expected to undergo a significant revamp. Due to obligations to his family, Dravid had stated earlier on Monday that he did not want to run for head coach again, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
Jay Shah Praises Dravid’s Commitment to Indian Cricket
Shah told reporters in Barbados that, “He told me that due to family commitments he wants to quit and we respect his decision. I didn’t forced him to extend. Rahul bhai has served Indian cricket for the past five and half years. He was director of the National Cricket Academy for three years and then for the past two and half years, he served as head coach of Team India”
Jai shah said, “Rahul Dravid’s role is as important as Rohit Sharma in this T20 World Cup title triumph. He is a man, who took the team to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and didn’t wanted to leave because he wanted to finish the job.”
