Rahul Dravid Reflects on His Journey with Rohit Sharma and India's T20 World Cup Victory

A Historic Achievement for Indian Cricket

Former head coach of India, Rahul Dravid, shared insights about his collaboration with ex-captain Rohit Sharma during their nearly three-year partnership. This duo played a pivotal role in ending India's 17-year wait for the ICC T20 World Cup trophy in 2024. In a memorable final held in Barbados, India triumphed over South Africa, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.

The victory brought overwhelming emotions to the Indian team, including Dravid, who is typically known for his composed demeanor. Rohit was seen hiding his face in the ground, tears flowing, while Dravid celebrated by lifting the trophy high, marking a significant moment that overshadowed the disappointment of the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia.

Rohit Sharma's Commitment to the Team

Reflecting on his time with Rohit, Dravid recalled how the captain's dedication to the team was evident from day one. He emphasized that Rohit had a clear vision for leading the team, which is crucial for a successful coach-captain relationship.

"It was really good. Firstly, he deeply cared about the team. Right from the first day, he was very clear about how he wanted to run the team and what was important to him. That clarity is vital in any relationship between a captain and a coach," Dravid remarked during a conversation with former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Kutti Stories.

Rohit Sharma's Leadership Approach

Dravid, often referred to as 'The Wall', noted that Rohit's previous experiences as a captain significantly influenced his approach to shaping the team and its environment.

"I believe it should be the captain's team. Having been both a player and a captain, I understand that a captain must lead the team in the direction he envisions. My role is to support him and provide clarity when needed. Rohit was very clear about his expectations for the team, the atmosphere he wanted to create, and how he wanted things to operate. His extensive experience played a crucial role in this clarity," Dravid concluded.

End of an Era for Dravid and Rohit

Dravid's coaching journey culminated with the T20 World Cup victory, while Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is. Gautam Gambhir has been named as Dravid's successor, ushering in a new era for Indian cricket. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav will take on the captaincy as the team aims to defend their title on home soil next year.