The news of cricket’s return to the Olympics after a century-long hiatus sent ripples of excitement through the cricketing world. Among those jubilant was Rahul Dravid, the former Indian captain and coach. Expressing his delight, Dravid likened the decision to include cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a “phenomenal” move. As a recently retired coach, he now views the game from a fan’s perspective, and the prospect of cricket’s global stage expansion is immensely satisfying for him.
“It always felt like cricket should be a part of this,” Rahul Dravid said. “It is truly a great game, followed by millions worldwide. For me, as a fan now, it’s fantastic.”
The legendary batsman reminisced about his childhood when the Olympics was a pinnacle of sporting achievement. He recalled the electrifying atmosphere created by the likes of Carl Lewis, whose victories were must-watch events in India. The allure of the Olympics, he felt, was unmatched, even by the grandest cricket spectacles.
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“Growing up, the Olympics was everything,” Rahul Dravid shared. “We’d be glued to the TV, mesmerized by these incredible athletes. It’s a dream for any sportsman to be part of such an event. Cricket has its own grandeur, but the Olympics is on a different level.”
🤩 The 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧 Coach of Team India, Rahul Dravid is in #Paris2024! pic.twitter.com/i8by7joIdp
— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) July 28, 2024
Dravid’s recent stint as India’s T20 World Cup-winning coach gave him a unique perspective on the game’s burgeoning popularity in the United States. He witnessed firsthand the passion and enthusiasm of American cricket fans and believes that cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics will further fuel its growth in the country.
“The USA is a cricket-hungry market,” Rahul Dravid observed. “We’ve seen the incredible support during the T20 World Cup. Getting cricket into the Olympics will only accelerate its journey there.”
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With cricket set to be played in the T20 format, the Olympics promises to be a high-octane spectacle, attracting new fans to the sport. The inclusion of cricket in the world’s biggest sporting event is undoubtedly a historic moment for the game.
