Indian skipper Rohit Sharma couldn’t hold back his emotions while discussing head coach Rahul Dravid as India gears up for their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland. Sharma revealed his efforts to persuade Dravid to remain as the head coach of the Indian men’s team but had to respect Dravid’s decision to prioritize his family time. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Sharma expressed that it will be challenging to see Dravid step down from his role.
Dravid officially announced on Monday, speaking to reporters in New York, that he has not reapplied for the position and has decided to move on after serving as the head coach for 32 months.
Reflecting on Dravid’s influence, Sharma said, “He was my first international captain. I played under him. He is a huge role model for all of us. He did a lot for the team over the years. I saw him when he came as coach. We won almost all the major tournaments with him. He is the first person who said that this is what we have to do, this is important for the team.”
Sharma emphasized his personal attempts to convince Dravid to stay on, acknowledging the importance of Dravid’s presence for the team. “I have personally tried to convince him to continue as coach, but he has his own priorities. It has been fruitful working with him; I enjoyed every bit of it. I will not be able to see him go,” Sharma added.
Under Dravid’s leadership, the Indian team reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, clinched a couple of home Test series victories against Australia and England, and qualified for the finals of both the World Test Championship 2023 and the World Cup 2023. Despite these significant achievements, the coveted ICC Trophy has remained elusive—a goal Dravid has yet to fulfill.
Dravid’s tenure saw him bringing a disciplined approach to the team, focusing on both on-field strategies and off-field harmony. His emphasis on team cohesion, mental toughness, and fitness standards raised the benchmark for the Indian cricket team.
Speaking about his decision, Dravid said, “Unfortunately, given the kind of schedules and where I find myself at this stage in my life, I don’t think I’ll be able to re-apply [for the head coach role].
. This will be my last one. But having said that, the significance of the tournament is no different for me.”
As Dravid prepares to bid farewell, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and hard work. His strategies and thoughtful leadership have paved the way for many young talents to flourish in international cricket. Players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant have credited Dravid for his meticulous guidance that sharpened their skills and gave them the grit to perform under pressure.
During his coaching stint, Dravid also made significant strides in improving India’s bench strength. He instituted a robust rotation policy that allowed the team management to test various combinations and keep the players fresh ahead of crucial tournaments. This system has ensured that young talents are always in the pipeline, ready to step up when needed.
His contributions extended beyond the cricketing strategy as well. Dravid’s calm demeanor and man-management skills made him an approachable figure in the dressing room. “He was always there for guidance, not just from a cricketing perspective but also in terms of navigating the various pressures that come with international cricket,” said Sharma.
As the team preps for their upcoming match against Ireland, there’s a shared sentiment of wanting to give Dravid a memorable send-off. The squad is reportedly motivated to perform exceptionally well in the T20 World Cup, aspiring to bring home the trophy that would be a fitting tribute to Dravid’s unwavering commitment and contribution to Indian cricket.
India’s probable playing XI for the T20 World Cup against Ireland includes seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are expected to open the innings. Prominent players like Jaiswal and Samson may, however, find no spot in the playing XI. This squad selection reflects the team’s readiness to utilize its experienced cadre to make a strong start in the tournament.
In conclusion, Rahul Dravid’s departure marks the end of an influential chapter in Indian cricket. While his absence will be felt deeply, his philosophies and training methods have left an indelible mark on the team. As he steps down to focus on his family, the cricket world admires him for his unparalleled dedication and contributions, and the Indian team is set to strive harder in his honor.
