Cricket

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket captain, is set to step down as the team's head coach after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa. Dravid has been at the helm of the Indian team for the past two and a half years, and his tenure has been marked by both success and challenges.In a recent interview, Dravid reflected on his coaching journey and shared his thoughts on the experience. He said that coaching the Indian Cricket Team has been a great learning experience for him and his family. He also stated that he will take back the connections that he has built during his tenure."I've really enjoyed myself. I think it's been a great learning experience for me and my family as well. I think everyone's got invested in the Indian team over the last two and a half years. I certainly have, obviously, being here. But so has my family in each and every result that the Indian team has been part of. So it's been really nice for me as well to see how my two young boys have taken to it. The kind of people that I've had the pleasure of working with, my coaching staff, the people who I've worked closely with," said Dravid."I know there have been results and we've had some really good results in this time, we've had some times where it's not been that easy. And that's part and parcel of being a coach and being a cricket team. But for me, I think the fondest memories that I'll take back is the connections that I've built, the friendships that I've built. That'll last long after I forget and remember some of these good results or bad results," Dravid added.India came close on a couple of occasions to ending their hiatus of lifting an ICC World Cup trophy. After their success in 2011, India came lost the 2014 T20 World Cup final. In 2016, the West Indies thumped them in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. In 2023, Australia toppled India to lift their record-extending sixth ODI World Cup trophy.India have a chance to finally end the wait to get their hands on the coveted prize if they defeat South Africa in the final of the tournament. With South Africa also not having lost a match, the T20 World Cup final will be a clash between the two unbeaten sides of the tournament.

Rahul Dravid, the outgoing head coach of the Indian cricket team, expressed his gratitude for the connections he has forged during his tenure as he prepares for his final match in charge against South Africa in the T20 World Cup finale on Saturday.Dravid, who endured a disappointing exit as India's captain in the 2007 ODI World Cup, is now on the verge of a memorable farewell as coach. He took over the reins from Ravi Shastri after the 2021 T20 World Cup and has been at the helm for nearly three years.In a promotional video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Dravid reflected on his time as coach, describing it as a transformative experience for both him and his family. He praised the professionalism exhibited by the team throughout his tenure, both in victories and defeats.Despite reaching the finals of both the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup last year, India fell short against Australia on both occasions. However, Dravid's legacy will be defined by the connections he has built and the impact he has had on the team's culture.Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed his admiration for Dravid, calling him a "big role model." Sharma, who has played alongside and under Dravid for India, said he had tried unsuccessfully to convince him to stay on as coach."I've enjoyed every bit of it, working with him," Sharma said. "I tried convincing him to stay, but obviously there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well.""I've 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."As Dravid prepares for his final match in charge, he will be remembered for his dedication, his ability to connect with players, and his unwavering belief in the team's potential.