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Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has lauded Rahul Dravid for his significant role as head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. Karthik attributed India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 held in the West Indies and the United States to Dravid’s leadership.
Rahul Dravid took over as the head coach post the T20 World Cup 2021 and concluded his tenure after the 2024 edition. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India clinched a hard-fought seven-run victory over South Africa in the final match at Barbados’ Kensington Oval on June 29.
This World Cup victory held special meaning for the 51-year-old coach, marking his first ICC trophy win after an illustrious playing career. Emotional scenes ensued as Dravid, a former Indian captain, was visibly moved upon lifting the coveted trophy. Rohit Sharma’s team also made history by becoming the first unbeaten men’s team in T20 World Cup history to claim the title.
Speaking on Cricbuzz’s “Hey CB with DK,” Dinesh Karthik said that Rahul Dravid handled the Indian team exceptionally during his tenure. He highlighted that Dravid’s efforts over the past few years as a coach were instrumental in leading India to success in the T20 World Cup.
“Rahul Dravid beautifully handled some tough waters post the IPL. But the beauty is the work that he had put in the last two, three years as a coach is what really helped him in that T20 World Cup,” Karthik said.
Rahul Dravid initially planned to step down as head coach following India’s defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. However, Rohit Sharma persuaded him to continue until the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) granted an extension to the coaching staff, a decision that ultimately paid off handsomely for Team India.
Following his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dravid, a former cricketer from Karnataka, took on mentoring duties at the Rajasthan Royals (RR). His coaching prowess was evident earlier when he guided the India U19 team to a World Cup victory in 2018. Before assuming the role of head coach for the Indian men’s team in 2021, Dravid dedicated three years to heading the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Ravichandran Ashwin emphasized Rahul Dravid’s deserving credit for his diligent and balanced approach over the past 2-3 years. Ashwin highlighted that Dravid’s contributions, despite often being overlooked, have been instrumental in the team’s achievements.
“I know what he has been doing with this team for the past 2-3 years. I know how balanced he has been. I know how hard he has worked to change this approach. I know what he has given each of his players. Even when he is just sitting at home, he has been planning how to do this and that,” Ashwin had said on his YouTube channel in June.
