The Indian cricket team has continued their remarkable journey in the T20 World Cup 2024, securing a spot in the final showdown against South Africa.
This significant match will not only mark the pinnacle of their current campaign but also signifies the end of an era under the coaching tenure of Rahul Dravid. Appointed as the head coach in December 2021, Dravid has guided Team India through several memorable tournaments, culminating in this final showdown at Kensington Oval, Barbados on Saturday (June 29).
Emotional farewell and reflections by Rahul Dravid
Ahead of the final, Dravid, in an emotional moment during the team’s last net session under his guidance, shared heartfelt reflections on his coaching journey.
Speaking in a video shared by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Dravid expressed profound gratitude for his experience with the Indian cricket team over the past two and a half years. He highlighted the personal and family investment in the team’s journey, emphasizing how his children have also grown attached to the team’s fortunes on the field.
“I’ve really enjoyed myself. I think it’s been a great learning experience for me and my family as well. I think everyone’s got invested in the Indian team over the last two and a half years. I certainly have, obviously, being here. But so has my family in each and every result that the Indian team has been part of. So it’s been really nice for me as well to see how my two young boys have taken to it. The kind of people that I’ve had the pleasure of working with, my coaching staff, the people who I’ve worked closely with” Dravid said.
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Camaraderie and enduring bonds
Dravid also acknowledged the challenges faced and the camaraderie built within the coaching staff and players. He expressed both satisfaction and regret over the team’s results, emphasizing that the connections and friendships forged during his tenure would endure long after the victories and losses are forgotten.
“And then just overall around that, the support staff as well, just the professionalism around it. I think that for me is really the fondest thing. I know there have been results and we’ve had some really good results in this time, we’ve had some times where it’s not been that easy. And that’s part and parcel of being a coach and being a cricket team. But for me, I think the fondest memories that I’ll take back is the connections that I’ve built, the friendships that I’ve built. That’ll last long after I forget and remember some of these good results or bad results” Dravid concluded.
Achievements under Dravid’s leadership
During Dravid’s tenure as head coach, India’s performance on the global stage has been nothing short of impressive. The team reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in 2022, followed by notable appearances in the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 and the ODI World Cup in 2023. Despite these achievements, the coveted ICC trophy has remained elusive for Team India under Dravid’s leadership.