Dravid Focused on the Present, Believes India Will Leave Past Final Heartache Behind

The team lost to Australia in the World Test Championship and to Pat Cummins' squad at home in the ODI World Cup last year. Rahul Dravid is unwilling to let those two finals weigh on the team.

"Nothing, I thought we were very well prepared in those finals as well," Dravid remarked prior to his team's championship match against South Africa on Saturday.

"We fulfilled every need and checked every box, but the other squad performed better that day, which is a natural aspect of the game. Since they are a strong team and play excellent cricket, it is certain that the other team that is traveling there has also advanced to the final. Thus, they are just as entitled to victory as we are. However, we're hoping to play better cricket that day," the head coach remarked.

 Images of Jasprit Bumrah and head coach Rahul Dravid were posted on X following India's Thursday qualifying for the T20 World Cup final.
Following India's qualification for the T20 World Cup final on Thursday, head coach Rahul Dravid was seen with Jasprit Bumrah in a photo posted on X. Dravid said that South Africa will also not be concerned about their prior inability to perform well under pressure.

"I don't believe that players continue to carry the weight of the past and the events of the past. Thus, each day is unique. Gamers are adept at letting go of and identifying things. Yes, I believe that South Africa will forget about the past and start anew, much like we will move on from Ahmedabad.

"Two strong teams, two groups Everyone will undoubtedly agree that the top two teams in this competition played the finest cricket, in my opinion. Deserving finals for both teams, and hopefully a thrilling match of cricket in which we come out on top.

According to Dravid, having confidence in oneself is crucial.

"I believe you're constantly trying to get better. Furthermore, I don't believe a game can ever be flawless. We haven't played flawlessly in any of our games, and I don't think any team ever does, Dravid stated.

Therefore, I believe that for us going into this final, it really just comes down to remaining composed, believing in the strong cricket we've played, and acknowledging that even though we've found ourselves in tight spots throughout the competition, we've always found individuals to step up and produce.

"Also just realizing that our team has a really good balance... maybe just show up really well-prepared, do everything we can, and control everything that we can control."

He praised the batting of Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma in the semi-final match against England. For the third wicket, the two put on a 73-run partnership.

"The manner that Rohit and Surya battled through that middle phase, demonstrated extraordinary skill, great ability and situation reading, identifying which bowlers to target..."

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