A year after India’s triumphant campaign at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the Americas, former head coach Rahul Dravid has opened up about the transformation that redefined India’s batting approach in the shortest format. According to Dravid, the driving force behind this shift was none other than Rohit Sharma, whose bold and aggressive mindset reshaped India’s T20 identity and inspired teams across the globe to follow suit.
Late in his career, Rohit reinvented his batting philosophy. Once known for his elegant stroke play and calculated innings, the Indian skipper adopted an ultra-aggressive approach, prioritising quick starts and fearless stroke-making in the powerplay.
That mindset proved pivotal as India powered through the tournament unbeaten, eventually clinching their second ICC T20 World Cup title. Rahil Dravid, who coached India during Rohit’s final T20I chapter, revealed that their early conversations centred around evolving India’s batting DNA.
WATCH – Harmanpreet Kaur Drops Alyssa Healy But Kranti Goud Strikes Back
“I can’t speak for what happened before me,” Rahul Dravid said on Breakfast with Champions. “But from the time I came in, a lot of discussions with Rohit were about playing a more aggressive brand of cricket. We realized that’s where the game was heading. Rohit deserves a huge share of the credit for steering the team in that direction — to play more freely, with confidence and intent.”
Reflecting on how India’s new approach has influenced world cricket, Dravid noted that other teams are now scrambling to keep pace with the defending champions.
“I’m glad we stayed committed to that philosophy. I genuinely think India has changed how the world views T20 batting. The way our players approach a total — touching 300 in T20 terms — is incredible. And now, every team is trying to match that level of intensity and execution,” he said.
ALSO READ: India vs South Africa Guwahati Test To Feature Early Tea Break Before Lunch
Despite his modesty, Rahul Dravid admitted he takes some satisfaction in fostering that transformation. However, he credited the players for translating the vision into results. “It’s one thing to create an environment that encourages risk-taking, but it’s the players who make it happen. The captain and the team have to buy into it, take those chances, and perform fearlessly,” he added.
India’s fearless approach under Rohit and Dravid not only ended a long ICC trophy drought but also redefined modern T20 cricket — setting a standard that teams worldwide now aspire to replicate.
