Rahul Dravid, the ever-composed former cricketer, surprised everyone with his unrestrained display of joy after India’s T20 World Cup victory. This wasn’t the first time Dravid let loose his emotions, but it held a special significance. Having lost three World Cups as a player and three as a coach, his sixth attempt finally paid off, and it wouldn’t have happened without a crucial phone call from Rohit Sharma.
Rahul Dravid wasn’t eager after ODI World Cup loss
Following India’s heartbreaking loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final last November, Rahul Dravid was contemplating leaving his position as head coach.
His contract was expiring, and the disappointment seemed to weigh heavily on him. However, a phone call from captain Rohit Sharma changed everything.
Rohit Sharma persuasion
In a video posted by the BCCI after the T20 World Cup win, Dravid himself revealed how Rohit Sharma‘s intervention convinced him to stay on. He expressed his gratitude to Rohit, acknowledging the challenges and discussions they shared as captain and coach. This decision proved to be a masterstroke, with India emerging victorious on the world stage.
“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,” Rahul Dravid said in a video posted by BCCI.
Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid partnership
The partnership between Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid has been instrumental in India’s remarkable journey. Across the last two World Cups, India has enjoyed a phenomenal win record, boasting 18 victories in 20 matches.
Their only loss came in the ODI World Cup final against Australia, with one match in the T20 World Cup being washed out. This dominance extends beyond World Cups, with India reaching the WTC final last year, solidifying their position as a powerhouse across all formats.
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Mutual Respect and Celebration
After the win, Rohit Sharma acknowledged Dravid’s immense contribution, stating that the trophy rightfully belonged to him.
He highlighted Dravid’s dedication to Indian cricket over the past two and a half decades, with the World Cup title being the missing piece in his illustrious career. The mutual respect and camaraderie were further evident during the victory celebrations, where Rohit and Virat Kohli hoisted an ecstatic Dravid in the air.
New India coach on horizon
With his successful stint as head coach coming to an end, the BCCI has announced the search for Dravid’s successor. Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is expected to be the frontrunner for the position. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has already conducted interviews and shortlisted Gambhir alongside former India women’s coach W V Raman. An official announcement regarding the new coach and a new selector is expected to be made shortly.
