"I am not trying to make"- Rahul Dravid freaks out in the press conference ahead of India-Afghanistan clash
India head coach Rahul Dravid lost his cool during a press conference before India's first Super Eight clash in the T20 World Cup 2024 against Afghanistan. Dravid was reminded of the 1997 Test match between India and West Indies played in Barbados, which India lost despite taking a lead after the first innings.
While Dravid scored an excellent 78 in the first innings of the Test, he was dismissed for just 2 runs in the second innings. India failed to chase down a target of 120 runs as they were bundled out for just 81 runs in their second innings and lost the match by 38 runs. No Indian batter other than VVS Laxman reached the double figures in the second innings.
Conversation between Rahul Dravid and the reporter
Rahul Dravid was involved in a war of words with a reporter at the press conference. When the legendary Indian batter was asked about the 1997 Barbados Test, Dravid replied that he was only focusing on the task at hand, and not about what happened 25 years ago. Here is the conversation between the two:
Reporter: "Rahul, you as a player, you have played here. Not the best memories of the 97 Test?"
Dravid: "Geez, thanks a lot buddy! I have had some other decent memories here as well."
Reporter: "That is actually my question. A chance for you to probably make new and much better memories tomorrow?"
Dravid: "God man! I am not trying to make anything new man!
While adding to the conversation further, Dravid emphasized the need to move on and not stay in the past.
"I move on from things very quickly. That's one of my things. I don't look back on things. I try and look at what I am doing now, at the moment. I am not concerned about what happened in 97 or some other year," Dravid said.
"By winning this... you know. If you had told me that by winning this, we would have not scored 80-odd and scored 121, then I would have been bothered. But, even if we win this match tomorrow, unfortunately, that is still going to remain 80 on the scorecard, however much I try and will it. No, I don't think about any retribution. I move on from things. What's in front of me, good or bad?" India's head coach added.
Watch from 5:17
The ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 is Dravid's final assignment as India's head coach as his contract is set to expire after this tournament. Dravid has decided not to apply for the position again as BCCI is set to announce India's next head coach by the end of June.
Indian batters vs Afghanistan spinners the battle to watch out for
India will play its first Super Eight match against Afghanistan on June 20 in Barbados. Traditionally known for pace and bounce, Kensington Oval has slowed down over the years. The pitches have been slow in this tournament so far and have assisted the spinners more which will bring Afghanistan's spinners into the game.
After facing Afghanistan, India will move to Antigua to face Bangladesh on June 22. The Men in Blue will play its last Super Eight match against 2021 champions Australia in St. Lucia.
