(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India captain Rohit Sharma spoke on the eve of the ODI World Cup 2023 final, expressing his gratitude to head coach Rahul Dravid, who is said to have provided clarity and freedom to the team.
Rohit touched upon Dravid’s role in the Indian set-up, stating that the latter has allowed him enough freedom to operate in an aggressive style, like he has been doing in the ongoing World Cup.
“His role has been absolutely massive, getting that clarity, which I keep talking about. There’s one thing for me to think about and the other thing if the coach does not agree to certain things. You know, looking at how Rahul bhai has played his cricket and how I’m playing these days. Obviously, it’s got quite contrasting. For him to give us that liberty to go and play the way we want to play, says a lot about him,” Rohit said as quoted on Saturday.
India had lost to England by 10 wickets in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022. Giving the example of this, Rohit explained how Dravid motivated the players to recover from that confidence-sapping defeat.
“The way he stood by the players in difficult times especially during the T20 World Cup, where we had a good run up until that semifinal, where we lost. How he reacted to certain situations and informing the players was helpful. He wants to be part of this big occasion, and it’s for us to do it for him,” he added.
He further shed light on the team environment, asserting that he and Dravid have blocked the outside noise, which evidently has helped the team, if their recent performance is anything to go by.
“I am very happy about the environment created by me & Rahul Bhai – players have responded well, without worrying about the outside noise or scores of a particular match,” Rohit opined.
Rohit sits on the brink of history, having a opportunity to lift the ODI World Cup title. India will face Australia in the World Cup 2023 final on November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.