NEW DELHI: Rahul Dravid, who served as the head coach of India during their T20 World Cup triumph, revealed that a phone call from captain Rohit Sharma following the ODI World Cup defeat last year was one of the most memorable moments of his life.
India's long wait for an ICC World Cup trophy finally ended under Dravid's guidance when the team, led by Rohit Sharma, emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup held in Barbados.
However, Dravid's tenure as head coach was set to conclude on a disappointing note after Australia shattered India's dreams by defeating the previously unbeaten team in the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, securing their sixth title in the process.
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Despite the setback, Rohit Sharma reached out to Dravid over the phone and persuaded him to extend his stint as head coach until the T20 World Cup, a gesture that deeply touched the former Indian cricketer.
"I mean, I wasn't sure if I was going to continue after the 50-Over World Cup, and obviously, there was a great joy of having had a fantastic campaign but also a little bit of disappointment in the final that we could not get over the line," Dravid said during an event at Wankhede Stadium.
"For Rohit to pick up the phone and say, 'Rahul, let's have one more crack at it in six or eight months' time. It will be lovely to have a crack at it together'. I am so thankful because I had the chance to work with an exceptionally great bunch of boys. But also experience what I have experienced in Barbados and to experience what I have done here. Truly grateful and probably one of the best phone calls that I have received in my life," he added.
The Indian team's elation was palpable when they finally grasped the coveted trophy they had been yearning for. The usually stoic and unflappable Dravid couldn't contain his feelings once he held the championship in his hands.
As he contemplated his journey with the squad since 2021, Dravid expressed his admiration for the players, stating, while reflecting on the time that he spent with the team since 2021, he lavished praise on the players and acknowledged that it was a privilege to work with them.
The coach's heartfelt words underscored the special bond he had forged with the team and the pride he felt in their accomplishments.
"I think they are like family. It has been just incredible what these boys have done. Just the level of hard work, resilience, a fighting spirit, a never-say-die attitude, and constantly looking to get better. As a coach and as a support staff, we could never have asked for anything more. It is truly a privilege to be able to coach and work with these boys," Dravid noted.
"I am going to miss this love. What we have seen today is absolutely phenomenal. What we have seen right from the time we have landed here. Just the love of these people and fans. It is the greatest game in the world because of the fans of India," Dravid remarked.
India's next head coach is yet to be announced.