“Wanted To Step Down….,” Rohit Reveals What Made Dravid Change His Decision To Step Down

Team India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma recently opened up about the emotional journey that spanned from the crushing defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final to the ultimate triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup. In an interview, Rohit shared a key moment that shaped this turnaround, a heartfelt conversation with then-head coach Rahul Dravid.

After India’s loss to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, despite being unbeaten in the tournament, Rahul Dravid had expressed a desire to step down from his role. However, Rohit persuaded him to stay on, reminding him that another World Cup was just six months away. Rohit recalled that they had come too far as a group to stop there and convinced Dravid to give it one more shot. Dravid eventually agreed and Rohit believes that even now, he must feel that he made the right decision.

That decision led to a fairy-tale conclusion. Rahul Dravid’s final assignment as the head coach turned out to be the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India clinched the title by defeating South Africa in a gripping final in Barbados. The Indian team won by seven runs, bringing an end to a long wait for another ICC trophy and giving both Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid a moment to cherish forever.

Rohit Sharma reflected on the triumph with deep emotion. He called lifting the ICC trophy in Barbados the proudest moment of his cricketing career. For him, the victory had special significance, not just as a captain but as a player who started his international journey in the T20 format during the inaugural 2007 World Cup. Having been part of that winning squad under MS Dhoni, to now leading the team to another title in the same format, felt like life coming full circle.

He described the experience as magical, highlighting the countless hours of planning and hard work that went into making this victory possible. Rohit Sharma spoke about the emotional release when they finally lifted the trophy, especially for the younger players who were playing in their first World Cup. According to him, this win symbolised not just success but resilience and the value of perseverance through past heartbreaks.

The celebrations were accompanied by two major announcements that marked the end of an era. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20 Internationals after the win, having finally secured the trophy that had eluded them for years. Suryakumar Yadav was named the new captain for India in T20Is, signaling a transition in leadership. The coaching baton was also passed, with Gautam Gambhir stepping in as Rahul Dravid’s successor.

What began with disappointment in Ahmedabad found redemption in Barbados, bringing closure and glory to two stalwarts of Indian cricket — Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.

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