Rohit Sharma wrote an elaborate and emotional tribute for former India head coach Rahul Dravid, under whom he led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup trophy.
Ten days after getting his hands at the elusive ICC trophy, India's World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma shared an emotional message for the World Cup-winning national head coach on social media. Rohit retired from T20Is after the World Cup, while Dravid’s stint came to an end with the tournament.
Dravid, who took over as India's coach following the 2021 T20 World Cup in Oman and the UAE, had led India in the 2007 ODI World Cup where they had a first-round exit. He then oversaw the senior team during the 2022 T20 World Cup, the 2023 WTC final, and the 2023 ODI World Cup, but couldn't manage to win any of them, until finally lifting an ICC trophy on his last day at the job as his contract was set to expire after the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Rohit shared a post on Instagram, writing how he had always looked up to Dravid and crediting him for setting up a comfortable environment in the team.
Rohit to Dravid: I have learnt so much from you
“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.
“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."
Adding a funny anecdote to his tribute, Rohit said that Dravid is referred to as his "work wife" by his Ritika, his wife, before signing off with gratitude.
"My wife refers to you as my work wife and I’m lucky to get to call you that too 😊. 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 🫡"
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