After India’s spectacular victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final, former India head coach Lalchand Rajput has opened up about the understated yet pivotal role played by current coach Rahul Dravid. The title win, which ended India’s 11-year ICC trophy drought, has brought Dravid’s coaching style into sharp focus.
Dravid took the responsibility of the Indian cricket team in 2021, following Ravi Shastri’s tenure. His journey as head coach has been marked by near misses, including semi-final and final appearances in major tournaments.
However, Saturday’s victory in Barbados against South Africa has finally registered his legacy as a coach for the senior men’s team. Rajput heaped praises for Dravid’s way of coaching.
“All of us know that Rahul Dravid’s coaching is very silent and correct. We call him Wall of Cricket… When one wins the World Cup, any person jumps up with joy. He danced yesterday and showed that he has another side also,” Rajput said as quoted by TOI.
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India lifted their second T20 WC title
The victory was a team effort, with stellar performances from Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya in the death overs, complemented by Virat Kohli and Axar Patel’s batting brilliance.
The final match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a shaky start, the Men in Blue posted a competitive 176/7, thanks to Kohli’s 76 and crucial contributions from Patel and Shivam Dube. In response, South Africa’s chase was derailed by India’s bowlers, who held their nerve in the crucial final overs.
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Dravid’s impact on the team goes beyond tactics. His calm demeanor and approach have created an environment where players thrive under pressure. This was evident in the team’s undefeated run throughout the tournament, a first for any team in T20 World Cup history.
The emotional scenes took place following the victory, where players tossed Dravid in the air, giving him an incredible send-off. With this marquee event, Dravid has ended his tenure as the Indian team’s head coach.
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