New Delhi

India secured the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados by defeating South Africa, marking the end of an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy. Outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid delivered an emotional and inspiring speech in the dressing room following the victory.

The players were praised by Dravid for their remarkable fighting spirit, particularly evident in the final against South Africa. He emphasized that memories of winning the World Cup would endure, contrasting with the potential fading of individual career statistics.

‘I am truly grateful to everyone for allowing me to be part of such an incredible memory,’ Dravid expressed in a video shared by the BCCI on X. ‘You will all cherish these moments. It is not just about the runs and wickets. Careers may fade from memory, but moments like this will endure.’

Dravid faced scrutiny after India’s losses in two consecutive ICC finals, the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup against Australia last year. However, he successfully ended India’s decade-long title drought in his final assignment. The legendary cricketer took over from Ravi Shastri in November 2021, initially signing a two-year term but receiving a six-month extension from the BCCI to continue until the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

Rohit Sharma was thanked by Dravid for persuading him to stay with the team after his contract was set to expire post the 2023 ODI World Cup.

QUOTE

It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with each and every one of you. To Ro as well, as captain and coach, we had numerous discussions and disagreements, but thank you immensely. Getting to know each of you personally has been fantastic.

– Rahul Dravid