(AP Photo)
Rahul Dravid’s emotional display on the cricket field after India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a rare sight. The joyous celebration marked his long-awaited triumph, having narrowly missed out on world titles three times before – once as a player in the 2003 ODI World Cup final against Australia, and twice as India’s head coach, including the 2007 ODI World Cup where India suffered an unexpected early exit under his captaincy.
Since assuming the role of head coach, Rahul Dravid led India to the finals of the World Test Championship (2023) and the ODI World Cup (2023), narrowly missing out on both occasions.
The long-awaited breakthrough came in June this year with India’s thrilling victory over South Africa in the final at Barbados’ Kensington Oval.
VVS Laxman, delighted to witness his former India teammate’s jubilation, also commended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for presenting the trophy to their coach.
“Someone like Rahul with whom I have played so much cricket, knew him for so many years, but for him to show that emotions, first when the last ball was bowled and then the various conversations he was having with the team members and when he lifted the trophy,” Laxman told BCCI.
“I thought it was a great gesture by Rohit and Virat Kohli to hand over the trophy to him (Dravid) and the way he celebrated by lifting the trophy, it showed how much it meant to each one of them,” he added.
Laxman hailed the Indian team’s resilience as they staged a remarkable comeback after South Africa appeared to be in control of the chase, needing 30 runs from 30 balls.
“The kind of finish we had after we were under pressure with South Africa batters needing 30 runs off 30 balls. And from there to show character, resilience and self-belief to pull off the match from the jaws of defeat, it shows the character of the entire team,” Laxman, who is currently coaching an India T20I side on the tour of Zimbabwe, said.
“The amount of hard work they put in, the celebrations (by the players and support staff) told the bigger story behind this victory. Obviously, it is a special feeling winning the World Cup. When you are playing against the best and win the trophy, it means a lot to all the players participating in the tournament,” he added.
Emotions ran high among several Indian stars, including Rohit, Kohli, and allrounder Hardik Pandya, who were moved to tears after clinching the title.
“Everyone showed their emotions and it showed how much it meant to each and every player in the squad, as well as the support staff, the emotions were really high. You saw Hardik Pandya breaking down once he bowled the last delivery. You saw Rohit Sharma on the ground,” Laxman said.
