New Delhi: India team skipper Rohit Sharma has finally broken his silence on Rahul Dravid’s ‘exit’ from the India national team. Furthermore, Sharma also acknowledged the fact that Dravid’s coaching in the past 2.5 years has been a value addition on many levels for the Indian national team. Although it did not result in a trophy for Team India, Dravid’s tenure has been marked by a solid consolidation of the test side
Earlier, Dravid said in a statement on Monday that he had made up his mind to leave the side post the T20 World Cup. Till now BCCI has not officially declared as to who will be the next head coach for the India team, it is speculated that Gautam Gambhir is the firm favourite to replace Dravid.
Rohit Sharma on Coach Rahul Dravid pic.twitter.com/QLk5UFlg0K
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) June 4, 2024
“I tried convincing him to stay…“- Rohit Sharma
Rohit and Dravid’s partnership goes a long way back to June 2007 when the former made his international debut under Rahul. Sharma became very emotional and cherished the fond memories with Dravid, “..I personally enjoyed my time with him. I’m sure the rest of the guys will say the same..”
Rohit Sharma got emotional while speaking about Rahul Dravid as this will be the last tournament as head Coach of the great man. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/x9YGRaTSHX
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 5, 2024
Interestingly, Sharma made his debut in Test also under Dravid when the latter was at the twilight of his career. Rohit acknowledges the immense discipline and technical astuteness that Dravid brought with himself both as a coach and as a player. Nicknamed the ‘wall‘ Dravid’s defensive solidity has been a treat for all the fans who have grown up watching him play. His famous innings at Kolkata will always etch him into the hearts of millions of people where he battled out to save his side from a precarious situation.
Dravid may have not scored full marks when it comes to winning a trophy, but his commitment to the team is 100%. So with a settled squad and one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup, can Dravid finally change his fortune with the men in blue? India play their first game against Ireland on 5th June before taking on their arch-rival Pakistan on 9th of June.