
On Tuesday (July 9), Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared an emotional post for outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid after India's historic T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, in West Indies and the USA. After India beat South Africa by 7 runs in the final of the 20-nation mega event, in Barbados on June 29, Dravid's coaching tenure -- which commenced in late 2021 -- came to a fitting end. For someone who never won a World Cup as a player, Dravid's dream finally got fulfilled, albeit as a coach of the senior men's team. Thus, Rohit took to his official Instagram handle to write a lengthy note,thanking Dravid for his services in a heartfelt note.
Rohit wrote, "Dear Rahul bhai, I have been trying to find the right words to properly express my feelings on this but I'm not sure I ever will so here's my attempt."
He further opined, "Since my childhood days I have looked up to you just like billions of others but I was lucky enough to get to work with you this closely. You are an absolute stalwart of this game but you left all of your accolades and achievements at the door and walked in as our coach and came on a level where we all felt comfortable enough to say just about anything to you. That is your gift, your humility and your love for this game even after all this time. I have learnt so much from you and every memory will be cherished. My wife refers to you as my work wife and I'm lucky to get to call you that too."
Hitman added, "This was the only thing missing from your arsenal and I'm so happy that we got to achieve it together. Rahul bhai it has been an absolute privilege to get to call you my confidant, my coach and my friend."
Rohit-Dravid got together as captain-coach in late 2021. Under their leadership, India reached the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals, 2023 ODI World Cup final, won the 2023 Asia Cup (ODIs), also played the WTC 2023 final beforeendingon a high, winning this year's T20 WC. Thus, the pair was successful in ending India's 11-year-long wait for an ICC title, after 2013, and helping the national side clinch their second T20 WC trophy (after 2007).