Dravid Expresses Gratitude Following India’s T20 World Cup Triumph
Bridgetown: Rahul Dravid, known for his usually reserved demeanor, expressed his immense gratitude and joy after India’s T20 World Cup victory, a moment he never experienced as a player.
With head coach Dravid observing from the dugout, captain Rohit Sharma skillfully managed the team’s resources, leading India to a narrow seven-run win over South Africa in a thrilling final, ending an 11-year ICC title drought.
“I have been at a loss for words in the past few hours. I couldn’t be prouder of this team and how we fought through tough situations,” Dravid remarked post-victory. He highlighted the resilience of the team, especially after losing three wickets in the first six overs.
Reflecting on his own career, Dravid, 51, noted, “As a player, I never won a trophy despite my best efforts. It’s part of sports.” The triumph in the Caribbean served as a form of redemption for Dravid, whose captaincy saw India exit early in the 2007 ODI World Cup in the same region.
However, Dravid downplayed the notion of redemption, stating, “I don’t believe in redemption. Coaching this team was an opportunity I was fortunate to have, and these boys made it possible to win a trophy and celebrate. It’s been a fantastic journey, and I’ve loved working with Rohit and the team.”
Dravid, whose tenure as India’s coach has concluded, described the title win as a lifetime memory. “Being part of this dressing room is phenomenal. I’m grateful to the team and support staff for making this possible.”
Emphasizing his focus on the present rather than legacy, Dravid said, “I’m not concerned with legacies. I’m just glad we gave our best. Working with a professional and intelligent group of coaches and support staff has been a privilege, and a bit of luck has culminated in this trophy.”
Dravid praised his relationship with Rohit Sharma, which was pivotal in fostering the team’s success. “I will miss Rohit as a person. His respect, care, and commitment have been impressive. He is a great captain and player, but it’s his character that I admire most.”
He acknowledged that the trophy was the result of two years of hard work and planning. “This journey began in September 2021, focusing on team balance and player skills. This World Cup victory is the culmination of that effort.”
On a lighter note, Dravid joked, “I’ll move on quickly from this win; next week, I’ll be unemployed. Life goes on.” He expressed optimism for the future of Indian cricket, confident that the team’s talent and confidence will lead to continued success.
“Today’s players are incredibly talented and energetic. We have been striving for an ICC trophy for a long time, and I am hopeful they will carry this momentum forward to win more trophies in the coming years,” Dravid concluded.
