Image Source: Instagram
[Saba Sports News] Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India head coach concluded with the T20 World Cup triumph. As a player, Dravid, 51, came close to success multiple times but never clinched the top prize. He was part of the 2003 ODI World Cup squad, which lost to Australia in the final.
As a coach, Dravid faced several heartbreaks. Under his guidance, India lost the T20 World Cup semi-final against England in 2022, and the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup finals against Australia in 2023. He almost stepped down after the ODI World Cup, but a call from captain Rohit Sharma changed his mind.
Over the past few years, Rohit and Dravid worked tirelessly to improve Indian cricket, leading the team to become the number one side in all three formats. At home, they dominated, regularly defeating top teams like Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. In Test cricket, India underwent a transition but still managed a significant series win over England and qualified for the World Test Championship final.
Rohit, 37, previously mentioned he didn’t want Dravid to leave the Indian team. When Dravid did step down, Rohit penned an emotional letter, expressing his admiration for Dravid since childhood and his privilege of working closely with him. “Since my childhood, I have looked up to you just like billions of others, but I was lucky enough to work with you closely. You are a stalwart of this game, but you left your accolades at the door and became a coach we could all talk to comfortably. I have learned so much from you and will cherish every memory,” Rohit wrote on Instagram.
Rohit also mentioned how his wife Ritika calls Dravid his “work wife” and expressed his honor in doing the same. “My wife refers to you as my work wife, and I’m lucky to get to call you that too. Rahul bhai, it has been an absolute privilege to call you my confidant, my coach, and my friend,” he added.