Rahul Dravid wouldn’t have been a part of history if he hadn’t gotten a call from India captain Rohit Sharma asking him to carry on following the ODI World Cup final defeat, the departing head coach said in his farewell address to the squad following its victory as T20 world champions here.
The ODI World Cup marked the end of Dravid’s term, as India fell to Australia in the final despite a 10-match winning streak. However, the coaching staff was granted an extension till the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, which took place last Saturday.
During his address in the Kensington Oval dressing room following the team’s seven-run victory against South Africa on Saturday, Dravid emphasized Rohit’s involvement in encouraging him to stay as the coach, even though he hasn’t reapplied for the position following India’s second T20 World Cup victory.
“Ro, thank you very much for making that call to me November and asking to continue,” Dravid said in a video shared by BCCI on Tuesday.
“I think it’s been such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each and everyone of you, but Ro, also thanks for the time…there is a lot of time we have to chat, we have to discuss, we have to agree, we have to disagree at times, but thank you so very much,” Dravid said as Rohit laughed.
Dravid encouraged the players to enjoy the accomplishment to the fullest and complimented them for their overall strong performances during the competition.
“All of you will remember these moments. We always say, it is not about the runs, it is not about the wickets, you never remember your career but you remember moments like this, so let’s really enjoy,” Dravid said.
“I could not be more proud of you guys, to come back the way you did, the way you fought, the way we worked as a team…the resilience. There has been some disappointment over the years where we have come close, we have never been able to cross the line,” he said.
In the presence of BCCI secretary Jay Shah, Dravid also discussed the sacrifices that each player’s family members made to provide them the attention they currently have.
“So many sacrifices that each and everyone of you make, to see your families here today enjoying it, so many of your families back home, just think about all the sacrifices, each and everyone of them has made since the time you were kids, for you to be here in the dressing room,” Dravid said.
“Today, your parents, your wives, your children, your brother, your coaches, so many people have made so many sacrifices and worked so hard with you for you to enjoy this memory in this moment… really, really proud to have being a part of this memory with you guys,” he continued.
Though he acknowledged he was running out of things to say, the usually eloquent Dravid complimented the squad for their deference to the departing coaching staff.
“I’m not usually short of words but on a day like today, for me to be part of this, I could not be more grateful for the respect, for the kindness, for the effort that each and everyone of you are shown to me, to my coaching staff to my support staff,” he conceded.
Dravid also praised the BCCI officials and others for their work behind the scenes.
“Behind a great team, there is also a successful organisation and we have to acknowledge the work of BCCI and people behind the scenes for the work they have done,” he added.
The post Rahul Dravid Thanks Rohit for Stopping Him from Quitting Post ODI WC appeared first on Cricket Country.
