India captain Rohit Sharma has poured his heart out in a heartfelt note dedicated to the now-former Indian coach Rahul Dravid. Rohit and Dravid worked closely in tandem to lead India to the T20 World Championship last month, ending a long-standing ICC trophy drought for the ardent cricket nation.
Dravid’s initial tenure as coach was supposed to conclude following the ODI World Cup, a tournament that ended in disappointment for India. However, Rohit personally requested Dravid to extend his stay and give the T20 World Cup “one more shot.” Now, following their monumental success, Rohit has taken to social media to express his gratitude and admiration for his legendary colleague.
“Dear Rahul Bhai, I have been trying to find the right words to properly express my feelings on this, but I’m not sure I ever will, so here’s my attempt,” Rohit began his emotional note in a caption, accompanying a photo of the two together. “Since my childhood days, I have looked up to you just like billions of others, but I was lucky enough to work with you this closely.”
Declaring Dravid as an “absolute stalwart of the game,” Rohit recounted how Dravid’s humility and passion for cricket set the tone for their working relationship. Despite a storied career filled with accolades, Dravid stepped into the coaching role with an unassuming air, allowing everyone in the team to feel comfortable approaching him. “You left all of your accolades and achievements at the door and walked in as our coach. You came on a level where we all felt comfortable enough to say just about anything to you. That is your gift, your humility, and your love for this game even after all this time. I have learned so much from you, and every memory will be cherished,” he wrote.
In a lighter, more personal touch, Rohit revealed that his own wife calls Dravid his “work wife,” a testament to their close professional relationship. “My wife refers to you as my work wife and I’m lucky to get to call you that too,” he said.
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Rohit also highlighted the value of their collective achievement, pointing out how the T20 World Cup win fills a significant gap in Dravid’s illustrious career. “This was the only thing missing from your arsenal, and I’m so happy that we got to achieve it together. Rahul bhai, it has been an absolute privilege to call you my confidant, my coach, and my friend.”
Reflecting on the strategic gamble to have Dravid continue as coach through the T20 World Cup, the former coach himself expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity. Dravid elaborated on the pivotal phone call from Rohit. “For Rohit to pick up the phone and say, ‘Rahul, let’s have one more crack at it in six or eight months’ time. It will be lovely to have a crack at it together.’ I am so thankful because I had the chance to work with an exceptionally great bunch of boys. But also to experience what I have experienced in Barbados and to experience what I have done here. Truly grateful and probably one of the best phone calls that I have received in my life,” Dravid said during a felicitation event in Mumbai, celebrating India’s T20 World Cup win.
In his final speech to the team, captured in a video shared by the BCCI on social media, Dravid reiterated his thanks to Rohit for urging him to stay. “Thank you very much, Ro (Rohit), for making that call in November and asking me to continue,” Dravid said in the video.
This emotional exchange between Rohit and Dravid offers a revealing look into the deep bonds and mutual respect that can develop between a coach and captain, especially in the high-stakes world of international cricket. Their collaborative effort has not only brought glory to Indian cricket but has also fortified a legacy built on respect, humility, and shared passion for the game.
As both men now prepare to move on to their subsequent roles within the cricketing world, this chapter of their journey remains a vivid reminder of what can be achieved when excellence on the field is matched with equally exceptional leadership off it.
