Rohit Gets Emotional Over Farewell Question for Rahul Dravid
As the curtain falls on Rahul Dravid tenure as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team, the emotions surrounding his impending departure have come to the forefront. One individual who has been particularly affected by this transition is the current Indian captain, Rohit Sharma. In a recent press conference ahead of India’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, Rohit Sharma openly expressed his sentiments about Dravid’s impending exit, showcasing the deep bond and mutual respect that has developed between the two cricketing stalwarts.
Rohit Sharma’s Debut and Dravid’s Influence
Rohit Sharma’s journey with the Indian national team has been closely intertwined with Rahul Dravid’s legacy. It was under Dravid’s captaincy that Rohit made his international debut in an ODI match against Ireland in 2007. As a young and relatively unknown player at the time, Rohit had the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s true legends, Rahul Dravid, who was then the skipper of the Indian team.
Dravid’s Enduring Impact
Over the years, Rohit has not only witnessed Dravid’s illustrious playing career but has also had the privilege of working with him as the head coach of the national team. Dravid’s unwavering determination, his ability to guide the team through difficult situations, and his overall impact on the sport have left an indelible mark on Rohit and the rest of the Indian cricket fraternity.
Rohit’s Emotional Farewell Plea
During the press conference, Rohit revealed that he had tried to convince Dravid to stay on as the head coach, acknowledging the latter’s massive contribution to the team over the past two and a half years. Visibly emotional, Rohit expressed his deep appreciation for Dravid’s leadership and the positive influence he has had on the team. “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,” Rohit said.
Rohit’s Admiration for Dravid
Rohit’s reverence for Dravid is evident in his words, as he described the latter as a “big role model” for the entire team. He highlighted Dravid’s remarkable achievements as a player and the invaluable contributions he has made to the Indian team over the years. Rohit’s admiration for Dravid’s determination and ability to guide the team through difficult situations is a testament to the lasting impact the outgoing head coach has had on the current captain.
Dravid’s Achievements as Head Coach
Dravid’s time as the head coach has been marked by several notable achievements. The team secured the Asia Cup title for a record eighth time under his guidance, and they also registered famous series wins over England and Australia at home. Additionally, Dravid’s Team India reached the finals of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship and the 2023 World Cup, showcasing their consistent performance at the highest level.
T20 World Cup Performance Under Dravid
In the shortest format of the game, Dravid’s Team India has played 71 matches, winning 50 and losing 17, with two games ending in a tie and two producing no results. The team’s performance at the T20 World Cup in 2022, where they reached the semi-finals, further underscores Dravid’s ability to guide the team through the challenges of the format.
Dravid’s Impact on the Team’s Direction
Rohit also praised Dravid’s ability to steer the team in the right direction, noting that the head coach was the first to articulate the team’s vision and strategy. “And for him to buy into that thought, obviously makes a huge difference. And he was the first one who came and said, ‘this is what we need to do as a team’,” Rohit said, highlighting the collaborative and aligned approach that Dravid has fostered within the team.
Farewell Arrangements for Dravid
When asked about the team’s plans for a farewell to Dravid, Rohit became visibly emotional, stating, “I’m not going to say anything actually. I’m not going to say anything.” This response underscores the deep respect and admiration Rohit and the team have for Dravid, and the difficulty in bidding farewell to a coach who has had such a profound impact on their careers and the team’s trajectory.
Conclusion
As Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian national team comes to an end, the emotional outpouring from Rohit Sharma serves as a testament to the indelible mark Dravid has left on the team and the sport. Rohit’s heartfelt words and the team’s reluctance to bid farewell to their beloved coach reflect the deep bond and mutual respect that has developed between the two cricketing stalwarts. Dravid’s legacy as a player and a coach will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of cricketers, and his influence on the current Indian team will be felt for years to come.
