A Triumphant Conclusion
Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team culminated in a remarkable victory at the T20 World Cup. India clinched the title against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, marking Dravid’s most significant achievement in his nearly three-year tenure.
The Journey to Triumph
Taking over as head coach in November 2021, Dravid finally laid his hands on an ICC trophy, something he couldn’t achieve during his playing days. This win was especially sweet after the team finished as runners-up in both the 2023 World Test Championship final and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
A Heartfelt Farewell
In the dressing room after the final, Dravid delivered an emotional speech, expressing his gratitude and pride:
“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 these 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 prouder of you guys. To come back the way you did, the way you fought. The way we worked as a team. The resilience.”
Overcoming Disappointments
Dravid acknowledged the team’s past near-misses and celebrated their perseverance and sacrifices:
“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. 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.”
A Nod to Leadership
Dravid also extended his gratitude to captain Rohit Sharma for encouraging him to continue his role after the ODI World Cup final defeat:
“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. 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.”
A New Era Begins
With the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20I cricket, the team is set for a major overhaul. Dravid himself will not seek another term as head coach due to family commitments, a decision respected by BCCI secretary Jay Shah:
“He told me that due to family commitments he wants to quit and we respect his decision. I didn’t force him to extend,” Shah told reporters in Barbados. “Rahul bhai has served Indian cricket for the past five and a half years. He was director of the National Cricket Academy for three years and then for the past two and a half years, he served as head coach of Team India. 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 want to leave because he wanted to finish the job.”
Rahul Dravid’s tenure ends on a high note, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, dedication, and unforgettable moments.