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Rahul Dravid‘s tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team culminated in the perfect ending with India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory. The Men in Blue ended their 11-year ICC trophy drought by defeating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. This victory was particularly poignant for Dravid, who had faced a painful exit from the 2007 ODI World Cup in the Caribbean, making this triumph a moment of redemption and celebration.
End of an era for the Indian coaching staff
The 2024 edition was the last assignment for Dravid and his coaching team, which included Vikram Rathour and Paras Mhambrey. Despite the disappointment of losing the ODI World Cup 2023 final to Australia last year, the coaching staff’s contracts were extended, leading to this momentous victory. Dravid’s leadership and the support from his coaching team have left a lasting legacy, capping off their tenure with a major ICC title and demonstrating their significant impact on the team.
Also READ: Gautam Gambhir lauds Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma after superstar duo bid farewell to T20Is following India’s World Cup win
Rahul Dravid’s humorous and reflective goodbye
Post-victory, Dravid addressed reporters, sharing his plans to quickly move on from the win while humorously acknowledging his upcoming unemployment. “Yes, I will move on from this win quickly. Next week, my life will be back to normal – I’ll be unemployed, so if there are any offers, let me know! (laughs). It’s a great moment, but I don’t want to think too far ahead. Life is about moving forward,” Dravid said.
Here’s the video:
"I am Unemployed from next week, any offers.. ?" !!! 😂
You just can't hate Jammy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tLECUD69OJ— Prasanna Ganesh Thunga (@_monkinthecity_) June 30, 2024
Dravid’s journey with Team India
Taking over from Ravi Shastri after the T20 World Cup 2021, where India exited in the first round, Dravid has had a significant impact on the team. Under his guidance, India reached the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) and the ODI World Cup last year, although they fell to Australia in both.
The team also made it to the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, eventually losing to the champions, England. Prior to his role as head coach, Dravid was instrumental at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and led the U-19 Indian team to World Cup victory in 2018. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements and contributions to Indian cricket, nurturing young talent and leading the national team to new heights.
