The memory remains crystal clear: the sight of India’s favourite Rahul Dravid, the former Indian coach and cricketing legend, lifting the World Cup trophy that had eluded him throughout his playing career. That picture-perfect ending was when Virat Kohli handed over the trophy to Dravid as a mark of respect to him in celebration.
This was poetic justice for a man who had spent an entire career pursuing the holy grail of international cricket, and never quite touching it. Finally, the success that had always evaded him came when Rahul Dravid saw his last moments as a coach, having already witnessed India’s heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
This was a victory that brought fulfilment where fulfilment had long been denied, and even the usually composed and reserved Rahul Dravid could not hold his emotions back. Normally always stoic, he was screaming in jubilation-just pure and raw-to show the magnitude of this moment.
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An amused Rahul Dravid even remembered the innocent faces of his children while talking about that fateful day, “We worked so hard to achieve something together, and when it finally happened, it was overwhelming. I usually try to stay composed, especially around my kids, but that day was different. I’m just glad it was my last game as coach, or the players might have called me out for saying one thing and doing another!” Rahul Dravid joked during the CEAT Awards ceremony.
What’s #RahulDravid up to after coaching Team India? 🤔
Watch as the former Indian head coach talks about the story behind his unexpected celebration and shares his future plans! 😮👏🏼
Watch the Full episode – CEAT Cricket Awards on YouTube channel pic.twitter.com/sVgO1ak3RV
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 3, 2024
It wasn’t just a special triumph for Dravid himself; it was one for the whole nation, and this feeling was shared by former captain Rohit Sharma, who had led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He termed it as an emotion that doesn’t come every day and the importance of cherishing the moment.
“Winning the T20 World Cup was a big achievement for us, and celebrating it with the entire country made it more special. That meant so much to all of us,” Rohit revealed at the same event. This victory over the finalist in 2024 sealed India’s triumph, ending the wait for an ICC trophy, which has been long-standing for 11 years.
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As for Rohit and his men, this was just the first act of the final act. The Champions Trophy and the successive WTC final would follow next; Rohit would not rest with this but work harder to achieve big successes on the international arena. Hot the thirst for more victories, hot the readiness of the team in order to face, head-on, the next challenges with determination and passion.
