August 23, 2024

“Sometimes, You Need A Little Bit Of Luck”: Rahul Dravid Shares Insights on India’s 2024 T20 World Cup Victory

The legendary Rahul Dravid acknowledged that luck can often play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of significant matches. Dravid highlighted how India’s dramatic comeback against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final and their devastating loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final both highlighted how fortune can drastically influence the course of a game.

India entered last year’s ODI World Cup final with immense confidence, winning 10 consecutive matches. However, things took an unexpected turn when they faced Australia, the top team in the competition. Despite their dominance, luck wasn’t on India’s side that day, and they fell short in the final hurdle.

Six months later, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership and with Dravid as head coach, India sought redemption. In the T20 World Cup final, they played against a formidable South African team. But this time, fortune was on India’s side, and they prevailed.

As he considered the team’s journey, Dravid emphasized the value of tenacity and dedication. He noted that while preparation and strategy are essential, there are moments when luck becomes the deciding factor. In the end, fortune smiled on India on June 29 in Barbados, completing their remarkable comeback against the Proteas.

“I’ve had time to reflect on it. I’ve had time to reflect on a lot of things we’ve done. You do realise, sometimes, you have to do a lot of these things, you have to do the process, you have to do everything right,” Dravid, who was chosen for Life Time Achievement honour during the Ceat Cricket Rating Awards, said.

“Sometimes at the end of the day, you need a little bit of luck. (Against South Africa in T20WC final)… 30 balls to go, 30 runs to go. (It was about) incredible execution, incredible calmness by Rohit.” “We didn’t focus on what we needed to do, but we needed a guy who could keep his foot within one inch of a line. Sometimes (it is) the skill,” he said without mentioning Suryakumar Yadav’s juggling act at the ropes to complete David Miller’s dismissal.

The legendary Rahul Dravid acknowledged that luck can often play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of significant matches. Dravid highlighted how India’s dramatic comeback against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final and their devastating loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final both highlighted how fortune can drastically influence the course of a game.

India entered last year’s ODI World Cup final with immense confidence, winning 10 consecutive matches. However, things took an unexpected turn when they faced Australia, the top team in the competition. Despite their dominance, luck wasn’t on India’s side that day, and they fell short in the final hurdle.

Six months later, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership and with Dravid as head coach, India sought redemption. In the T20 World Cup final, they played against a formidable South African team. But this time, fortune was on India’s side, and they prevailed.

As he considered the team’s journey, Dravid emphasized the value of tenacity and dedication. He noted that while preparation and strategy are essential, there are moments when luck becomes the deciding factor. In the end, fortune smiled on India on June 29 in Barbados, completing their remarkable comeback against the Proteas.

“(On) 19th November… I remember whatever it was, we beat Travis Head’s bat 15 times – he didn’t touch a single ball. You know, things can go your way sometimes, but you have to stick to the process,” the articulate Dravid circled back to sticking to the basics.

Following an exhilarating triumph for India in the Twenty20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid tendered his resignation as head coach. His tenure as coach was marked by a strong emphasis on developing talent and maintaining the high standards of Indian cricket. After the title win, Dravid took the opportunity to reflect on the immense depth of talent within the country’s cricketing system.

He praised India’s bench strength and highlighted the nation’s remarkable ability to consistently produce high-quality cricketers. Dravid emphasized that the next generation of players has embraced the challenges of international cricket and successfully upheld the legacy of the legendary ‘Fab Five.’ This esteemed group, which includes Dravid himself, along with icons Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, and VVS Laxman, has left an indelible mark on the game.

Together, they captivated cricket fans around the globe with their exceptional skills and sportsmanship. As Dravid moves on from his coaching role, he leaves behind a rich legacy, knowing that the future of Indian cricket is in capable hands and ready to build on the foundations laid by the greats of the past.

“I left in 2011-2012. These players have been able to carry the legacy forward. If you just look at the success that we’ve had over the last 12 years in all the three formats of the game, the time that after we left, it’s been absolutely phenomenal,” he said.

“Very easily, clearly in a lot of the rankings, we’re always (No.) 1 or 2… we’re always up there with anyone. To be able to go out and win that, just the kind of cricket that we play, the level of skill of some of our players, the way that they approach the game, is great,” he said.

Dravid expressed his hope that Team India will continue to achieve success in the years ahead.

“I have no doubt that this generation of players, led by people like Rohit and Surya and the (other) guys coming forward in all formats of the game is only going to continue to do that in the future,” he said.

Dravid noted that while Indian cricketers are now fearless and confident, they also benefit from world-class infrastructure that supports their skill development.

“A lot of them are really fearless. The confidence of a young Indian, and I don’t mean just cricketers, that’s just great. It just gladdens your heart so much.

“The opportunities that young Indians have today. It’s just nowhere in the world. You feel like maybe even growing up at times that you could have your talent and you had abilities, but sometimes you didn’t have the support or the infrastructure to be able to achieve your dreams.” “Today, none of the Indians can say that. All of them have this great infrastructure, great support and it shows in the way they carry themselves and expect the best out of themselves.

Dravid observed a notable mental transformation in the Indian players, noting that they now see themselves as leaders.

“Young India expects they can be world-class, they can be world-leaders, and that is a phenomenal change from the time that I was a young man,” he said.

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