Rahul Dravid expressed his desire to step down as India’s head coach following the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, everything changed when Rohit Sharma called.
Rahul Dravid’s final game leading Team India as head coach was the historic T20 World Cup 2024 victory. In the background, Dravid has put in a ton of work, but people like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and others have been making the most progress. But with the devastating defeat in the ODI World Cup final last year, few people thought that Dravid would stay on as coach of the Indian squad. However, it was a phone call from captain Rohit Sharma that altered Dravid’s entire situation.
India batsman Suryakumar Yadav disclosed in an interview with Indian Express how BCCI secretary Jay Shah and Rohit persuaded Dravid to stay on as India’s coach through the 2024 T20 World Cup. Dravid congratulated Rohit for that phone call after India prevailed in the Barbados final.
After (India’s) loss in the 50-over World Cup, he didn’t want to continue, but Suryakumar and BCCI secretary Jay Shah persuaded him to stay. “In the end, he came and thanked Rohit and said, ‘Thank you, Rohit, for that phone call in November,” Suryakumar said.
“That 30-second clip, when he took the trophy in his hand and screamed… that moment when he expressed his happiness. I think I will save that clip for life,” he said.
On Dravid’s contributions to the team, Suryakumar said that the head coach protected the players from the “expectations of people, pressure, and to provide comfort.”
Dravid acted like a little child as he celebrated India’s victory in the T20 World Cup. Given the kind of man Dravid is, it would be difficult to recreate the looks on his face as Virat Kohli placed the trophy in his hand. Even Surya believes that Dravid will have that moment’s photo with him for a very long time.
“In that thirty-second video, he cried out in joy as he held the prize in his hands. He remarked, “I believe I will save that clip forever.
Regarding Dravid’s services to the team, Suryakumar stated that the head coach shielded the players from the “pressures, expectations, and expectations of people.”
“Indranagar ke wall ko koi kabhi chhupa nahi sakta hai, and wall kabhi chhupta nahi hai” (laughs). He built a wall to shield us from social pressure, expectations, and to give the players comfort.
“Virat bhai also mentioned the same thing the other day, saying that players should be given more leeway in this format because of “the way you have played and watched cricket in your time.” A batsman would say, “Okay, if you feel it’s right, you make that decision,” if he felt that this was the proper thing to do. He never forced his life experiences on anyone.
He was perceptive to others and considerate of their viewpoints. These are minor details that we tend to overlook following a victory. He made a significant addition. “His sense of humor is fantastic,” he declared.
