Rahul Dravid, known for his team-first mentality as a player, carries this same ethos into his role as India’s head coach. In press conferences, he consistently deflects attention away from himself, focusing on his players. However, Saturday’s T20 World Cup final will undoubtedly turn the spotlight on Dravid as he embarks on his last assignment as head coach, seeking a fairytale ending with an ICC title.
India has come close to glory under Dravid’s leadership, reaching the finals of both the World Test Championship and the 2023 Cricket ODI World Cup, only to fall short. Dravid maintains a pragmatic approach, downplaying the lessons learned from the ODI World Cup final loss to Australia, emphasizing the unpredictability of sport.
His primary goal – securing an elusive ICC title – remains unfulfilled. A victory over South Africa in the final would allow Dravid to exit the stage on a triumphant note.
Dravid stresses the importance of mental and physical preparation for the high-pressure final. He acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by South Africa, recognizing both teams as the tournament’s top contenders.
Reaching three world event finals within a year is a testament to India’s consistent performance, Dravid attributes this success to the hard work and dedication of his players. He remains optimistic about India’s chances in the final, emphasizing the importance of playing well and capitalizing on opportunities.
Despite the pressure, Dravid exudes calm confidence, focusing on the team’s preparation and the exciting prospect of a thrilling final encounter with South Africa.
