"Saw Rahul Dravid hug the cup and cry"- Ravichandran Ashwin picks his moment of T20 World Cup win
Published - 23 Jul 2024, 11:09 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:16 AM
Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his most memorable moment from the Men in Blue's victory during the final of the T20 World Cup 2024. Ravichandran Ashwin stated that he felt emotional after witnessing former head coach Rahul Dravid’s tears and joy while lifting the World Cup trophy.
Rahul Dravid led the team to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending an 11-year ICC trophy drought. India won the final against South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling encounter in Barbados on June 29. It is worth mentioning that this was Dravid's final assignment as head coach of the Indian men's team.
The 51-year-old had never won a major ICC title as a player or captain. Dravid failed to guide the team to victories in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023, despite reaching the finals. However, he finally redeemed himself and concluded his coaching career on a high note.
Rahul Dravid Screamed And Cried - Ravichandran Ashwin
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that his most memorable moment from the 2024 T20 World Cup was seeing Rahul Dravid's emotional reaction. Ashwin highlighted how Dravid was moved to tears and embraced the trophy after Virat Kohli handed it to him.
"My moment was when Virat Kohli called Rahul Dravid and gave the cup... I saw him hug the cup and cry. Rahul Dravid screamed and cried. I saw him enjoy it. I felt that a lot," Ashwin said.
The India team set a competitive total of 176/7 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Virat Kohli and Axar Patel formed a crucial partnership after three early wickets in the powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya helped secure the title by defending 30 runs in the final five overs.
Rahul Dravid Has Been Planning - Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin praised Rahul Dravid's contributions despite past criticisms and setbacks. Ashwin emphasized Dravid's hard work and ongoing commitment to the team's success, highlighting his efforts to improve the team and his balanced approach.
"I want to talk about a person who is sacred. 2007, 50-over World Cup. India gets knocked out. Rahul Dravid, the captain at that point in time. He does not captain the one-day side after that. He has been with the Indian team. If something does not go well, if the Indian team goes out, if they lose a match, immediately, they ask what Dravid is doing," said Ashwin.
"I know what he has been doing with this team for the past two-three 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," he concluded.
Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was appointed as Rahul Dravid's successor with the national team. Gambhir is set to begin his tenure as head coach during the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka starting on July 27. The Men in Blue will play three T20I matches and as many ODIs during the upcoming tour.
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