Rahul Dravid has now left his post as head coach of the Indian cricket team following the side’s win in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
India took on South Africa in the final of the tournament. While batting first, the Men in Blue put up a total of 176 on the back of a fine 76-off-59 inning by Virat Kohli. In response, South Africa got the equation down to 30 runs in as many deliveries before the Indian pace battery won India the game by seven runs.
It has been known for some time that Dravid’s contract with the BCCI as head coach will expire following the most recent T20 World Cup. A few days before the tournament, The Wall confirmed that he would not be renewing the contract.
So, the T20 World Cup final was Dravid’s last game as India’s head coach. Having won his first World Cup in any capacity, Rahul Dravid showed emotions never seen before in him following the victory.
Rahul Dravid Retirement Speech to Indian Players
After it was all said and done, the Indian team returned to the dressing room to keep the celebrations going. When the whole team assembled, Dravid gave his retirement speech.
While addressing the room following the win on June 29, the 51-year-old claimed that players don’t remember their runs or wickets but remember moments like this.
“I’m really short of words, but all I just want to say is thank you to everyone for making me a part of what is an incredible memory,” he said. “All of you will remember these moments. We always say it is not about the runs, it is not about the wickets; you never remember your career, but you remember moments like this, so let’s really enjoy,” he said.
The departing head coach then went on to praise the team’s resilience, not only for making a fantastic comeback in the final but for being the best team in the competition, saying:
“I could not be more proud of you guys to come back the way you did—the way you fought, the way we worked as a team—the resilience. There has been some disappointment over the years where we have come close; we have never been able to cross the line.”
“But what this bunch of boys has done, what all of you have done, what everyone in the support staff has done, the hard work that we put in, the sacrifices that we made… the whole country is really, really proud of each and every one of you and what you have achieved, and all of you should be,” he continued.
Check Out: Rahul Dravid Retirement Speech
Finally, Dravid spoke of the sacrifices the players’ friends and families made and how the players should be proud of everyone who stood with them throughout it all.
“Today, your parents, your wives, your children, your brother, your coaches—so many people have made so many sacrifices and worked so hard with you for you to enjoy this memory in this moment… really, really proud to have been a part of this memory with you guys.”
A fresh Indian team will now travel to Zimbabwe for a five-T20I series. The team coach for this series will be India A and Under-19 coach VS Laxman. A new permanent coach will take charge of the Sri Lanka tour later this month.
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