In a heartfelt farewell speech to the Indian cricket team after their T20 World Cup triumph, outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid revealed that he wouldn’t have been part of history if not for a crucial phone call from captain Rohit Sharma. Dravid’s tenure was originally slated to end after the ODI World Cup, where India suffered a final loss to Australia despite a dominant run. However, the coaching staff received an extension until the conclusion of the T20 World Cup.
Dravid, who did not reapply for the role after India’s second T20 World Cup victory, highlighted Rohit’s significant role in persuading him to continue. In a video shared by the BCCI, Dravid expressed his gratitude to Rohit, saying, “Ro, thank you very much for making that call to me in November and asking to continue. I think it’s been such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each and everyone of you, but Ro, also thanks for the time…there is a lot of time we have to chat, we have to discuss, we have to agree, we have to disagree at times, but thank you so very much,” as Rohit laughed in response.
Dravid went on to commend the players for their consistent performances throughout the tournament and urged them to savor this momentous achievement. “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,” Dravid said. “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,” he added.
With BCCI secretary Jay Shah in attendance, Dravid also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the players’ families and support systems to enable them to pursue their cricketing dreams. “So many sacrifices that each and everyone of you make, to see your families here today enjoying it, so many of your families back home, just think about all the sacrifices, each and everyone of them has made since the time you were kids, for you to be here in the dressing room,” Dravid said. “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 being a part of this memory with you guys,” he continued.
Known for his eloquent speeches, Dravid admitted he was struggling to find words to express his gratitude for the respect shown to him and his coaching staff. “I’m not usually short of words but on a day like today, for me to be part of this, I could not be more grateful for the respect, for the kindness, for the effort that each and everyone of you have shown to me, to my coaching staff, to my support staff,” he conceded.
Dravid concluded by acknowledging the work of the BCCI and the behind-the-scenes personnel who contribute to the success of the team. “Behind a great team, there is also a successful organisation and we have to acknowledge the work of BCCI and people behind the scenes for the work they have done,” he added.
