Rohit Sharma the Indian captain spilled the beans on his futile attempts to persuade Rahul Dravid to continue as the teams head coach. He humorously mentioned his struggle realizing the teams dilemma when bidding farewell to the Indian legend.
Rahul Dravid having taken the reins as head coach following Ravi Shastris tenure post the 2021 T20 World Cup has confirmed that the current 2024 T20 World Cup being hosted in the West Indies and the United States will be his last assignment as Team Indias head coach.
On Wednesday, June 5, the Men in Blue will open their ICC campaign against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. At a pre-match news conference, Indian captain Rohit expressed his thoughts on Dravid’s decision:
“I tried convincing him to stay, but obviously there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well. But yeah, I personally enjoyed my time with him. I’m sure the rest of the guys will say the same. It’s been great working with him.”
Rohit Sharma
In June 2007, Rohit made his international debut against Ireland, and Rahul Dravid was the Indian team’s captain. Reflecting on his lengthy relationship with the batting icon, Rohit showered admiration on the departed head coach:
“He was my first international captain when I made my debut in Ireland. Then I’ve seen him play while I was just coming into the team (for) Test matches when he was captain. And such a big role model for all of us.
“Growing up, we watched him play and we know what he has achieved, personally as a player and also what he’s done for the team over the years. Battling out the team from difficult situations and that is what he’s known for.”
Rohit Sharma
Team India may not have won an ICC title during the Rohit-Dravid period, but Rohit claims they have won other significant events and that he has cherished his time with Dravid.
“It’s been very fruitful. Other than the big silver (trophy), we won all the major tournaments and series. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it, working with him, deciding what direction the team needs to head.”
Rohit Sharma
Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach concluded after the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. However he received a gracious offer from the BCCI for an extension until the exhilarating 2024 T20 World Cup a proposition he wholeheartedly accepted.
Under the helm of RohitDravid Indias journey led them to the championship finals of the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup only to face defeat against Australia in both grand occasions.
What Rahul Dravid said about his exit as Team India’s head coach
Rahul Dravid revealed during a news conference on Monday that the 2024 T20 World Cup will be his final assignment as head coach of India’s senior men’s cricket team. He stated that he had loved the role but will not reapply for it.
“It is going to be the last tournament that I am going to be in charge of. I’ve loved doing the job. I have really enjoyed coaching India. It’s a truly special job to do. I’ve enjoyed working with this team. It’s a great bunch of boys to work with.”
“Considering the kind of schedules and where I find myself in the stage of my life, I don’t think I will be able to reapply. So yeah, it’s going to be my last one.”
Rahul Dravid
While Rahul Dravid has declared his departure as coach, the ICC tournament is also expected to be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli final World Cup.