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In a poignant and heartfelt farewell, Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricketer and head coach of the Indian cricket team, announced his resignation following India‘s triumphant victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid’s departure marks the end of a significant era, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, teamwork, and success.
Emotional farewell speech
After the final match of the T20 World Cup, Dravid addressed the Indian cricket team in the dressing room, expressing his deep gratitude and pride. “I am really short of words, but all I want to say is thank you to everyone for making me a part of what is an incredible memory,” Dravid began, visibly moved. He emphasised the importance of the journey and moments shared rather than individual achievements, saying, “It’s not about the runs or the wickets; you will not remember your career. But you will remember moments like these. I cannot be more prouder of you guys. To come back the way you did, the way you fought. The way we worked as a team. The resilience.”
Here’s the video:
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗲-𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗟! 🫡
The sacrifices, the commitment, the comeback 🏆
📽️ #TeamIndia Head Coach Rahul Dravid's emotional dressing room speech in Barbados 👌👌 #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/vVUMfTZWbc
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 2, 2024
Acknowledging sacrifices and gratitude
Dravid highlighted the sacrifices made by the players and their families, acknowledging past disappointments and celebrating the current team’s remarkable achievements.
“There have been a few disappointments over the years where we have come close, but we have not been able to cross the line. But what this bunch of boys has done, everyone in the support staff has done. The whole country is proud of each and every one of you for what you have achieved,” he said.
The Karnataka stalwart further added” “Think of all the sacrifices every one of them has made since the time you were kids. For you to be here in the dressing room today, your parents, wives, children, brothers, your coaches. So many people have made so many sacrifices for you to enjoy this memory, this moment.”
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024: BCCI rewards victorious Indian Team with a massive prize money
A special mention to Rohit Sharma
Dravid also expressed his gratitude to skipper Rohit Sharma for encouraging him to extend his tenure as coach following India’s ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia last November. “Thank you very much, Ro (Rohit), for making that call in November and asking me to continue. It’s been such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each and every one of you, as well as with Ro. Thank you for your time. I know that as captain and coach, we have a lot of time to chat. We have to agree; we have to disagree. It’s been brilliant to know each and every one of you,” Dravid remarked.
