Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer whose illustrious career never saw a World Cup win, has now savored that elusive taste of global victory—but as a head coach. India, under his guidance, clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 with an unbelievable come-from-behind victory over South Africa by seven runs. The triumph was met with a surge of emotions from Dravid, who couldn’t hold back his feelings when India sealed the match and eventually got to lift the coveted trophy.
In an emotionally charged post-match press conference, Dravid shared his thoughts on the dramatic win and what it means for him. “I really have felt short of words over the last few hours. I just could not be more proud of this team, the way we had to fight difficult situations,” he told the assembled media with visible pride. Dravid emphasized the resilience the team showed despite the obstacles they faced. “Even today I think it was a great testimony… for the team to lose three wickets in the first six overs, to be in the kind of position we were in, but the boys just kept fighting, they kept believing.”
As a player, Dravid never had the fortune of lifting a World Cup trophy, despite his utmost dedication and efforts throughout his career. Reflecting on those times, he said, “You know, as a player, I was not lucky enough to win a trophy, but I tried my best whenever I played and it happens, it’s part of sports.” But does this coaching victory serve as redemption for him? The outgoing coach firmly dismissed the notion.
“Firstly, there is no redemption. I am not one of those guys who thinks about redemption and those kinds of things,” Dravid stressed. He acknowledged that many talented players have had to walk away without major trophies. “There are a lot of other players I know who have not been able to win a trophy.
. I was lucky to be given the opportunity to coach, and I was lucky that this bunch of boys made it possible for me to be able to win a trophy and celebrate.”
Dravid expressed profound gratitude towards the team, explaining that “it’s a nice feeling, but it’s not like I am aiming for some redemption. It’s just a job that I was doing. I loved doing the job, I loved working with Rohit and this team. It’s been a great journey and I have really enjoyed it.”
With his tenure with the Indian team coming to an end, Dravid also spoke about the personal relationships he has developed, particularly with Rohit Sharma. “I will miss him as a person, forget the cricket, forget the captain and everything. I just hope we will still be friends,” he said, illustrating the bond he’s formed with the captain.
Dravid continued to recount what has impressed him most about Rohit. “I think what’s really impressed me in all of this is the kind of person that he is, the kind of respect he has shown me, the kind of care and commitment he has had for the team, the kind of energy, and he has never backed down from it.”
For Dravid, the relationship goes beyond mere professional respect—it’s personal. “So, for me, it’s the person that I will remember the most… he will be a great captain, he will be a great player, he will win trophies but I think it’s the person that I am most fond of.”
As Dravid steps away from his role, his sentiment captures more than just the joy of a World Cup victory; it’s a reflection on the journey, the bonds formed, and the pure love of the game that keeps the spirit alive, regardless of titles and trophies. His modesty and humility shine through as he credits the team’s efforts for their success and cherishes the personal relationships built along the way.
In essence, while the T20 World Cup 2024 win is a crowning achievement in his coaching career, Dravid’s reflections remind us that the essence of sports lies not just in victories, but in the relationships and experiences that shape and define the journey.
