India captain Rohit Sharma paid a heartfelt tribute to outgoing coach Rahul Dravid after Men in Blue defeated South Africa to end their 11-year wait for an ICC title. Rohit said that coach Dravid deserved the T20 World Cup trophy more than any of the players for what he has done for Indian cricket for the past 20–25 years. “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. 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,” Rohit said during the post-match press conference.
The usually stoic and composed Dravid couldn’t contain his emotions during the trophy celebrations. Known for his calm demeanor, he revealed a rare display of exuberance, letting out a loud cheer while holding the trophy aloft. This moment encapsulated the significance of the seven-run victory over South Africa in the final and what it meant for him to secure an ICC title as a coach. This match marked the end of Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach, a journey he concluded with his first senior World Cup trophy. Despite his illustrious career, Dravid never won a World Cup as a player. He was part of the Indian team that reached the 2003 ODI World Cup final but fell to Australia. As captain in the 2007 ODI World Cup, India faced an early exit. Notably, he wasn’t part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad under MS Dhoni.
Under Dravid’s guidance, Team India made significant strides, reaching the finals of both the 2023 World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup, though they lost to Australia on both occasions. The 2024 T20 World Cup victory broke India’s 11-year ICC title drought, a testament to the team’s cohesiveness and the meticulous processes put in place. Reflecting on the win, Rohit Sharma emphasized the collective effort and unity within the team. “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,” Rohit Sharma remarked.
As the team celebrated their hard-earned victory, Dravid’s legacy was cemented further, not just as a player but as a coach who led India to new heights. His departure marks the end of an era, but the foundations he has laid will undoubtedly continue to benefit Indian cricket for years to come.
