Legendary Indian batsman Rahul Dravid is not one to express his emotions in front of the camera. But the magnitude of India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup was such that even he couldn’t help but celebrate like a youngster.
This was Dravid’s last international assignment as India’s head coach and it ended on a high note. After the win, Dravid gave an emotional speech bidding farewell to his role and thanking all the players for their support during his memorable tenure.
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Rahul Dravid gets emotional while delivering farewell speech
In a video posted by BCCI on X (formerly Twitter), Dravid recalled his coaching journey and felt grateful for the moments he had experienced. He also recalled the disappointment that the 2023 ODI World Cup brought him in his speech.
“I am really at a loss for words but all I want to say is thank you all for making me a part of what is an amazing memory. I think everyone will remember these moments. We always say it’s not about the runs, it’s not about the wickets, you will never remember your career. But you will remember moments like this,” Dravid said.
“So, we’re going to really enjoy it. I couldn’t be more proud of you guys. The comeback, the way you fought, the way you worked as a team, the resilience. There have been some disappointments over the years where we’ve come close, but we’ve never been able to cross the line,” he recalled.
The former India batsman also spoke about the sacrifices made by the players and their families and mentioned that the entire country is immensely proud of all of them.
“You know, I think the whole country is very, very proud of each and every one of you and what you’ve achieved, and you all should be. I think there are a lot of sacrifices that each and every one of you make, look at your families here today, enjoying it. A lot of your families are back home,” Dravid said.
“Think of all the sacrifices that each and every one of them has made since we were kids for you to be here in the locker room today. Your parents, your wives, your children, your coaches, there are so many people who have made so many sacrifices and worked so hard so that you can enjoy this memory and this moment. I’m so proud to be a part of this team. Thank you so much,” he said.
Dravid added: “I am at a loss for words. I am not normally at a loss for words, but on a day like today I couldn’t be more grateful, more thankful for the respect, the kindness, the effort that each and every one of you has shown towards me, my coaching staff and my support staff.”
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The sacrifices, the commitment, the comeback 🏆
📽️ #TeamIndia coach Rahul Dravid’s emotional dressing room speech in Barbados 👌👌 #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/vVUMfTZWbc
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 2, 2024
Rahul Dravid thanks Rohit Sharma
In the end, he also thanked captain Rohit Sharma for asking him to stay after the disappointment of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“I just want to say to Ro (Rohit Sharma) thank you very much for making that call in November and asking me to continue. I think it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to work with each and every one of you, but also to Ro (Rohit) thank you for the time you’ve given me. I know as captain, and of course, there are many times when we have a chat, we have to argue, we have to agree, we have to disagree at times. But thank you very much,” Dravid concluded.
Following India’s title win, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also announced their retirement from T20Is. A day later, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also retired from the format.
