(ANI Photo)

Team India will face debutant finalists South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday. Rahul Dravid, in his final assignment as head coach, aims to secure India’s second crown in the tournament.

Before the showdown with South Africa, Dravid, who guided India to the ODI World Cup final last year as well, highlighted the team’s resilience in handling defeats. He remarked that the players have effectively bounced back from the demoralizing loss to Australia in Ahmedabad.

“Players are very good at moving on from things, recognizing things. So, we will move on from Ahmedabad. I’m sure they will not be thinking about history. It’ll be a fresh day,” said the head coach.

India, who controlled the tournament on their home turf but faltered in the final against Australia, aim to heal their wounds by clinching the title in the Caribbean.

Dravid recognized the ambitions of the other finalists and acknowledged their credentials. He expressed optimism that his team would deliver an improved performance on the final day.

“No, nothing. I thought we were very well-prepared in Ahmedabad (ODI WC). We ticked all the boxes and, on that day, the other team played better. That’s part of the sport,” Dravid said about the final against Australia.

“The other team that’s coming there to play has also obviously reached the final because they’re a good team and they’re playing very good cricket as well. So, they have as much right to win it as we do, but we hope that we’ll play better cricket on the day,” he added.

Both teams enter the final unbeaten in the tournament, and Dravid, affectionately called ‘The Wall’, aims to be on the winning side of history this time.

“Two good teams, two teams I think that everyone will agree will probably be the top two teams in this tournament. So, deserving finals for both the teams. And, hopefully, it’s a great game of cricket. Hopefully, we fall on the right side,” Dravid said.