Former India head coach Lalchand Rajput spoke candidly about the subtle but crucial impact that current coach Rahul Dravid played following his country’s thrilling triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final. India’s 11-year ICC trophy drought came to an end with the title win, which also highlighted Dravid’s teaching approach.
After Ravi Shastri’s term ended in 2021, Dravid assumed leadership of the Indian cricket team. Throughout his tenure as head coach, he has had several near-misses, including appearances in major tournament semifinals and finals.
But his legacy as a senior men’s team coach has finally been officially acknowledged with Saturday’s victory over South Africa in Barbados. Lalchand Rajput praised Dravid’s coaching style profusely.
“Everyone is aware of how accurate and silent Rahul Dravid’s teaching is. He goes by Wall of Cricket. Everyone is ecstatic when they win the World Cup. He demonstrated his other side yesterday by dancing, Lalchand Rajput added, as reported by TOI.
India won their second title in the T20 WC.
Axar Patel and Virat Kohli’s outstanding batting along with the outstanding efforts of Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya in the final overs sealed the victory for the side.
Emotions ran high and low during the actual championship game. Following a wobbly beginning, Kohli’s 76 and significant contributions from Patel and Shivam Dube helped the Men in Blue post a challenging 176/7. India’s bowlers responded by holding their nerve in the vital final overs, derailing South Africa’s pursuit.
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The impact Dravid has on the team extends beyond strategy. Players flourish in this setting because of his cool-headedness and methodical approach. The team’s perfect performance throughout the competition—a first for any team in T20 World Cup history—was indicative of this.
Players threw Dravid in the air as a wonderful farewell, setting up the heartfelt scenes that followed the win. Dravid’s time as the head coach of the Indian team has come to an end with this major event.