• Source:JND
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T20 World Cup 2024: Rahul Dravid ended his stint as India's head coach on a high, guiding the side to their second T20 World Cup title, ending an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.

India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final of the T20 World Cup to clinch a title victory in Barbados on Saturday. The Men in Blue remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

After the monumental win, Rahul thanked skipper Rohit Sharma for making an effort and convincing him to continue as head coach back in November.

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Notably, Rahul, who took over the role from Ravi Shastri, had his contract expire after the ODI World Cup where India lost the final last year in November.

However, Rohit was quick to call the former Indian captain and asked him to continue at least till the T20 WC this year before he himself returned to the format in January.

"Just would like to say Ro (Rohit), thank you very much for making that call to me in November and asking me to continue. I think it's been such a privilege and pleasure to work with each and every one of you but also to Ro, thanks for the time. I know as a captain and a coach there's 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 during his farewell speech in the dressing room.

Dravid heaped praise on the time he spent with the current Indian setup and expressed his gratitude for each player.

"I think it's been brilliant to get to know each and every one of you as a person and it's your moment. Remember it's not about any individual it's about all of us. We've won this as a team we did everything in the last month as a team," he added.

On the monumental achievement of the Men in Blue under his guidance, Rahul said: "I'm really short of words but all I just want to say is Thank You to everyone for making me a part of what is an incredible memory. I think all of you will remember these moments."

"We always say it's not about the runs it's not about the wickets, you'll never remember your career but you'll remember moments like this. So let's really enjoy it. I couldn't be more proud of you guys. To make a comeback the way you did, the way you fought, the way we worked as a team, the resilience."

The 51-year-old went on to mention the importance of this achievement (T20 World Cup 2024 title win) considering that the team fell short of the final touch-up multiple times.

He gave a shout-out to the coaching and support staff as well for their key efforts to keep things going throughout the tournament.

"There have been some disappointments over the years where we came close but were not able to cross the line. But what this bunch of boys have done, what all of you have done, what everyone in the support staff has done, the hard work that we put in, the sacrifices that we made, you know I think the whole country is really really proud of each and every one of you of what we have achieved and all of you should be," Dravid further said.

"See your families here today enjoying it today and back home. Just think about all the sacrifices each and every one of them has made since the time you were kids for you to be in this dressing room today. Your parents, your wives, your children, your brothers, your coaches, and so many people have made so many sacrifices and worked so hard with you for you to enjoy this memory in this moment.

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Proud to have been a part of this memory with you guys. All I can say is thank you so much and I really am short of words but on a day like this today just to be part of this I couldn't be more grateful and I couldn't be more thankful for the respect, for the kindness, for the effort each and every one of you have shown to me to my coaching and support staff."

Dravid who was brought on board from NCA (National Cricket Academy) by the BCCI after a notable round of requests, also acknowledged the hard work put in by the governing body, ensuring all fulfilment of everything that was needed throughout this journey.

"Behind a great team, there is also a successful organisation. I would like to acknowledge the work of BCCI, and the people behind the scenes for the work and stuff they have done for us. Each and every one of us comes through a system, each and everyone comes through an organisation that gives us the opportunity to grow and play," Dravid concluded.