Indian captain Rohit Sharma has disclosed that he attempted to persuade Rahul Dravid to continue as the team’s head coach, but was unsuccessful. He acknowledged that parting ways with the Indian legend would be challenging for the team.
Dravid, who took over from Ravi Shastri after the 2021 T20 World Cup, has announced that the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States will be his final assignment as Team India’s head coach.
India will kick off their campaign in the ICC event against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 5. At a pre-match press conference, Indian skipper Rohit expressed his thoughts on Dravid’s decision:
“I tried convincing him to stay, but obviously there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well. But yeah, I personally enjoyed my time with him. I’m sure the rest of the guys will say the same. It’s been great working with him.”
Interestingly, Dravid was the captain when Rohit made his international debut against Ireland in June 2007. Reflecting on his long association with the batting legend, Rohit praised the outgoing head coach:
“He was my first international captain when I made my debut in Ireland. Then I’ve seen him play while I was just coming into the team (for) Test matches when he was captain. Such a big role model for all of us.”
“Growing up, we watched him play and we know what he has achieved, personally as a player and also what he’s done for the team over the years. Battling out the team from difficult situations and that is what he’s known for,” he added.
Though Team India has not secured an ICC trophy during the Rohit-Dravid era, Rohit emphasized that they have won other significant tournaments and he has thoroughly enjoyed his association with Dravid:
“It’s been very fruitful. Other than the big silver (trophy), we won all the major tournaments and series. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it, working with him, deciding what direction the team needs to head.”
Dravid’s contract as head coach ended following the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, but he accepted an extension from the BCCI till the 2024 T20 World Cup. Under the Rohit-Dravid captain-coach partnership, India reached the final of the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) and the 2023 ODI World Cup, but were defeated by Australia in both instances.
Rahul Dravid Confirms His Exit as Team India’s Head Coach
At a press conference on Monday, Dravid confirmed that the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup would be his final assignment as the coach of the senior Indian men’s cricket team. He expressed his enjoyment of the role, but stated that he would not reapply for the position:
“It is going to be the last tournament that I am going to be in charge of. I’ve loved doing the job. I have really enjoyed coaching India. It’s a truly special job to do. I’ve enjoyed working with this team. It’s a great bunch of boys to work with.”
“Considering the kind of schedules and where I find myself in the stage of my life, I don’t think I will be able to reapply. So yeah, it’s going to be my last one,” he added.
While Dravid has confirmed his departure as coach, the ICC event is also likely to be the last World Cup for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
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