Rahul Dravid Reflects on Emotional Decision to Extend Coaching Tenure After T20 World Cup Triumph

After the ODI World Cup ended in November of last year, Rahul Dravid received a call from Rohit Sharma that changed his mind and extended his two-year contract as head coach.

After India's defeat to Australia in the championship match, Dravid was not inclined to continue, but "Ro" persuaded him to go on until June, when the T20 World Cup would be held in the US and the West Indies.

In a video released by the BCCI after Saturday's victory in Bridgetown, Dravid, who chose not to extend his contract after the T20 World Cup, said, "Ro, thank you very much for making that call to me in November and asking (me) to continue."

India won their second T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 7 runs in the final to snap an 11-year ICC trophy drought. A proper send-off for Dravid.

"Working with each and every one of you has been such an honor and pleasure, but thank you also for your time, Ro. In his parting dressing room speech, Dravid remarked, "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."

The T20 World Cup triumph comes after India's defeat by Pat Cummins' Australia in the World Test Championship final in June 2023 and the ODI World Cup final.

In the video that was uploaded on Tuesday, Dravid stated, "I'm not short of words usually but on a day like this (Saturday), for me to be part of this, I could not be more grateful." "For all of your efforts, consideration, and respect that you have shown to me, my coaching staff, and my support personnel.

"You will all cherish these memories. As we often say, it's not about the number of runs or wickets; rather, it's about moments like these that you will always remember, so let's truly enjoy ourselves.

I am so proud of you all for your perseverance, fighting spirit, teamwork, and ability to bounce back. Over the years, there have been a few setbacks where we have gotten so close, but we have never managed to breach the boundary, he added.

Dravid also had a message for Kohli, who declared his retirement from Twenty20 international cricket following the final.

"The three Whites became irritated. One more red to go. He referred to victorious teams that Kohli had been a member of in the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the current T20 World Cup when he said, "Tick it," to the former captain during their moment of success. Though he had made it to the finals in both of his previous World Test Championships, he has since lost.

Dravid also discussed the sacrifices that each player's close associates had made over the years.

"To see your families here today enjoying it, so many of your families back home, just think about all the sacrifices, each and every one of them has made since the time you were kids, for you to be here in the dressing room, that's a lot of sacrifices that each and every one of you makes," Dravid said.

"Really, really proud to have been a part of this memory with you guys. 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," he said.

Dravid also made sure to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes efforts of the BCCI officials.

"A successful organization lies behind a great team, and we must recognize the efforts of BCCI and the unsung heroes for their hard work," he remarked.

One of the main reasons Dravid had given for not reapplying for the head coaching position was his full schedule. He had stated upon India's arrival in New York, "Unfortunately, just the kind of schedules (that are in place in international cricket) and where I find myself in this stage of my life, I don't think I'll be able to reapply."

In an attempt to persuade him to stay on as head coach following the T20 World Cup, Rohit also failed.

Rohit, who has also put down his T20I pads, added, "I tried persuading him to stay, but obviously, there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well." However, I have found my time with him to be enjoyable. The other guys will probably say the same thing. He's been a pleasure to work with, and hopefully

Plans for returns

Following Hurricane Beryl's forced shutdown of the airport, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said she anticipated it to reopen in the “next six to 12 hours,” meaning the Indian team, who had been stranded in Bridgetown, would be returning home on a chartered flight on Tuesday evening.

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