New Delhi: Rohit Sharma revealed former India head coach Rahul Dravid wanted to step down from his post following the team’s defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. Dravid wanted to quit as head coach of the Men in Blue, but was convinced by Rohit to stay. India went on to win the T20 World Cup 2024 title under Dravid and Rohit’s leadership, a few months later.
India were arguably one of the best teams in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they made it to the final unbeaten. However, Rohit Sharma & Co. failed to lift the elusive trophy after going down against Australia in the final. Travis Head slammed a memorable ton to help Australia beat India by 6 wickets in the final to lift their sixth ODI World Cup trophy.
The heartbreaking loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final left fans, players and the backroom staff of the Indian team dejected. Dravid, whose initial contract ended after the World Cup, wanted to quit as the team’s head coach. However, Rohit urged him to stay, assuring him that India will get another shot at glory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid’s tenure was extended after he agreed.
“Rahul (Dravid) bhai wanted to step down after the 2023 World Cup. But we said, ‘There’s another World Cup in six months. We’ve come this far. Let’s give it one more shot.’ He agreed – and I’m so glad he did. I’m sure even now he feels that he made the right decision,” Rohit said in an interview with JioHotstar.
As it turned out, India produced another stunning show in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they remained unbeaten on their way to lifting the title. India defeated South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados to lift their second T20 World Cup trophy, bringing an end to over a decade-long ICC trophy drought for the Men in Blue.