Team India’s campaign in this World Cup has been flawless so far. The Men in Blue defeated Ireland, Pakistan and USA in the group stage matches in New York while their fixture against Canada was abandoned due to wet outfield in Florida.
Subsequently, the Indian team travelled to the Caribbean for the Super 8 round, where they triumphed over Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Australia to enter the semis.
In the semi-final, India outclassed the defending champions England in all facets of the game to make it to the final for the first time since 2014.
Ahead of the title clash against South Africa in Barbados on June 29, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has emphasized the crucial role of head coach Rahul Dravid in the team's journey.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin reflected on the challenges faced by Dravid, including stepping down from ODI captaincy after India's early exit from the 2007 edition of Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.
"I want to talk about a person who is sacred. In 2007, India got knocked out of the 50-over World Cup. Rahul Dravid was the captain at that time. He didn't captain the one-day side after that. He has been with the Indian team. If something doesn't go well, if the Indian team loses a match, immediately, they ask what Rahul Dravid is doing," Ashwin said.
"I know what he has been doing with this team for the past 2-3 years. I know how balanced he has been. I know how hard he has worked to change this approach. I know what he has given each of his players. Even when he is just sitting at home, he has been planning how to do this and that," he added.
Ashwin also acknowledged the significance of reaching the final, stating, "We all should understand. Going to the final is a very big achievement in a world tournament. Conditions have been tough. There are a lot of challenges. You won't know the challenges of the team from the outside. Even small things are a challenge."
India’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa marks the end of Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach of the Indian team.
