August 21, 2024

Rahul Dravid: No Intent to Change Approach Between ODI and T20I World Cups

India faced a heartbreaking defeat against Australia in Ahmedabad’s ODI World Cup final. This loss, felt deeply by players and fans alike, marked yet another chapter in the long and storied history of Indian cricket, where the quest for global glory often seemed just within reach but remained tantalizingly out of grasp. Despite the pain of the final, the resilience and spirit displayed by the team throughout the tournament captured the hearts of many, setting the stage for a new beginning.

Mumbai, Aug 21 — In a press conference, former India head coach Rahul Dravid reflected on the team’s journey and the efforts made to sustain a positive and energetic atmosphere among the players. He noted that the support staff worked tirelessly to carry the vibrant “team atmosphere” from the 2023 ODI World Cup into the subsequent T20 showcase. Dravid emphasized that this consistent approach was instrumental in helping the team overcome challenges and ultimately end their ICC title drought.

Dravid’s commitment to fostering a cohesive and supportive environment was evident during his tenure. He understood the pressures of representing India internationally and recognized the importance of mental fortitude alongside skill. Dravid aimed to create a setting where players could thrive individually and collectively by prioritizing team spirit and camaraderie. His leadership style focused on encouraging open communication and building trust among team members, which proved vital during high-pressure situations.

As the T20 World Cup approached, Dravid’s strategic mindset and experience played a crucial role in preparing the team. He meticulously analyzed their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses while emphasizing the importance of self-belief within the squad. Under his guidance, the coaching staff worked diligently to fine-tune the players’ skills, ensuring they were equipped to face the unique challenges posed by the T20 format. This preparation laid the foundation for India’s American success, ultimately claiming the T20 World Cup title.

Dravid’s ability to connect with players was another critical aspect of his coaching philosophy. He understood that each player had their own journey, and he took the time to listen and offer personalized guidance. This approach helped players improve their skills and fostered a sense of belonging within the team. The players responded positively to Dravid’s mentorship, which contributed to their performance during crucial matches.

In addition to emphasizing team dynamics, Dravid recognized the importance of adapting to different game formats. The transition from ODI to T20 cricket requires a shift in mindset, and he was aware that players need to adjust their strategies accordingly. By instilling a winning mentality and encouraging players to embrace the excitement of the T20 format, he set the stage for India to shine on the global stage again.

The victory in the Americas T20 World Cup was a significant turning point for Indian cricket.It showcased the players’ talent and determination and highlighted the effectiveness of Dravid’s coaching methods. His ability to blend experience with youth created a balanced team that could compete at the highest level. The triumph was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the coaching staff and players, who had come together to achieve a common goal.

However, with success came the inevitable transition. After the T20 World Cup victory, Dravid stepped down as head coach, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and unity. His departure marked the end of an era, but his impact on Indian cricket would be felt for years to come. The players he mentored would carry forward the lessons learned under his guidance, striving to continue the journey toward excellence.

“Honestly, I didn’t want to do anything different. I think we ran a fantastic campaign in the one-day World Cup, Rohit and the team, everyone involved in that one-day World Cup, we ran a superb campaign,” Dravid said at the Ceat Cricket Rating Awards here.

India endured a devastating loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad.

“There’s nothing we could have done more in terms of our preparation, the planning, the execution of what we needed to do for 10 games in a row to dominate, to win the game we did, play the game we did,” said Dravid.

The Bengaluru man said he and the rest of the coaching staff did not want to break the set pattern of a cordial dressing room. “I did not want to change anything. If you’d asked me and we had a discussion with our support staff, we’d get together with the coaches and say, what do you think we should do differently?” “The common consensus (among the team) was we need to do exactly what we did. We need to create the same energy, create the same vibe, the same team atmosphere that we had and then just hope that on the day, we’ll have a little bit of luck,” he said.

Although he never had the opportunity to play in a World Cup in either limited-overs format in India, he fully embraced the joy of the experience as the head coach.

“To travel all over this country and to be able to experience that joy and passion of the fans. I’ve never been a part of a World Cup as a player in India, but just the experience as a coach to go from city to city and just walk and see what this game meant to the people of this country was phenomenal. It was incredible,” he said.

Australia was the better team in the ODI World Cup final, according to Dravid.

“I thought we ran a phenomenal campaign. We came unstuck in the final and Australia played better cricket than us on the day. They were a better team and congratulations (to them). That can happen in sport and that’s what sport is about,” he said. 

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