"What is Rahul Dravid doing"- Ravichandran Ashwin speaks on the Indian Head Coach

As India prepares to face South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados on June 29, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin hailed head coach Rahul Dravid’s role in the team's journey to the summit clash.

Ashwin credited Dravid's transformative influence to Team India's success in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Highlighting Dravid's journey, Ashwin pointed out significant challenges the coach faced earlier in his career, particularly recalling the former Indian skipper stepping down from ODI captaincy following India's disappointing exit from the 2007 ODI World Cup.

Ravichandran Ashwin hails Rahul Dravid's impact as India gears up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Final

Acknowledging Dravid's extensive impact on the Indian cricket team, the veteran off-spinner highlighted the scrutiny he faces whenever the team encounters setbacks. He credited Dravid for providing stability and a strategic direction that has been instrumental in shaping India's performance in ICC tournaments.

The Indian cricket team reached the WTC final and ODI World Cup 2023 final under Dravid's coaching and now they are set to play the T20 World Cup 2024 finals and are strong favorites to end their ICC trophy drought of more than a decade.

Under Dravid's guidance, the Men in Blue have displayed resilience and a balanced approach throughout the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, and Ashwin believes these qualities reflect the coach's meticulous planning and leadership.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “I want to talk about a person who is sacred. In 2007, India got knocked out of the 50-over World Cup. Rahul Dravid was the captain at that time. He didn't captain the one-day side after that. He has been with the Indian team. If something doesn't go well, if the Indian team loses a match, immediately, they ask what Rahul Dravid is doing.”

He further said, “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 shares insights on T20 World Cup journey and internal team battles

Furthermore, Ashwin highlighted the immense significance of reaching the final of the T20 World Cup 2024, emphasizing the greatness of the achievement for any team in a global tournament. He also talked about the challenges and difficulties faced by teams behind the scenes during the ICC events, but external observers often underestimate these hurdles.

According to Ashwin, every step towards the final has been hard-fought, with conditions posing unique challenges that only those within the team fully understand. The senior off-spinner also pointed out that even seemingly minor issues can present significant challenges in the pursuit of success on the global stage.

Notably, Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach will end with the T20 World Cup 2024 final, as he decided to quit the job to spend time with his family, with Gautam Gambhir likely to take over the high-profile job soon.