‘India will be fully prepared to win Olympic gold in cricket’ – Rahul Dravid to PM Modi

Cricket has returned to the Olympic Games for the first time in over a century and will be part of the LA28 program four years from now. Former India coach Rahul Dravid feels the BCCI, the selected players, and the coaching staff that time must be fully prepared to bring the gold medal home. During a chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 4), Dravid expressed his thoughts on the same.

The Indian Team met PM Modi at his residence in New Delhi shortly after landing from Barbados, where they won their second T20 World Cup title. The Men in Blue first visited the ITC Maurya Hotel before reaching the PM house for a quick chat and breakfast.

PM Modi spoke with everyone about their experiences while mentioning cricket’s return to the Olympic Games.

Team India and head coach Dravid appreciated the effort by everyone concerned to bring cricket back to the Olympics, and said India has a chance to win a gold medal at the Olympics in Los Angeles.

Though none of the star players, including Dravid, Virat, Rohit and even Jadeja, will be around by then, the head coach feels anyone in charge of the setup must be fully prepared to bring the glory home.

"Modiji, we cricketers don't get the opportunity to participate in the Olympics. But now cricket is going to be part of the Olympics. It's going to be big for the cricketers, the nation and the cricket board. We have to do well in the tournament. And to be with the other sportspersons, to learn from them, is a great thing. I think it's a proud moment for cricket to be part of the Olympics," Dravid said during the chat with PM Modi.

"I am confident that the BCCI and the players and the coaches at that time will be prepared. I am confident that from this team, a lot of people will be part of the team. Winning a gold in the Olympics is a great matter of pride and happiness. We need to fully prepare for that," he concluded.

Dravid bows out with an ICC trophy

Having won just one ICC trophy during his playing days (2002 Champions Trophy with co-winners Sri Lanka), a world title was eluded from Dravid’s glorious cabinet, which he won with the T20 World Cup win in Barbados.

Against South Africa in the final, India won the contest by seven runs, with veteran Virat Kohli winning the Player of the Match award for his brilliant 76.

After the finalthe Indian Team entourage was stranded in Barbados for a few days because of a hurricane warning. BCCI then arranged a special flight for all struck there, including the players, their families, coaching staff and media personnel.

(With inputs from agencies)