Rohit Sharma pens down emotional note for Rahul Dravid after T20 World Cup triumph

India captain Rohit Sharma shared a heartfelt message praising Rahul Dravid for his service as the team’s head coach over the past three years, culminating in their T20 World Cup 2024 victory in the West Indies.

Under Rohit and Dravid's guidance, India reached the semifinals of the T20 World Cup in 2022, the finals of the World Test Championship, and the ODI World Cup in 2023. Dravid’s first coaching stint began in November 2021 and concluded with the World Cup last November.

Dravid revealed that it was a call from Rohit that convinced him to extend his contract until the T20 World Cup in the Americas this year. This extension proved momentous as they ended India’s 11-year ICC title drought, with Dravid winning his first major title with the senior men's team.

In an emotional Instagram post, Rohit wrote, “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,” he further added.

Rohit, who made his international debut in 2007 under Dravid’s captaincy, continued, "“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. My wife refers to you as my work wife and I’m lucky to get to call you that too."

Rohit also shared a personal note, “This (World Cup title) 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."

Ahead of India’s T20 World Cup opener in June, Rohit had revealed that he tried to persuade Dravid to continue as head coach.

“I tried convincing him to stay, but obviously there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well. But yeah, I personally enjoyed my time with him,” Rohit told reporters in New York.

Dravid, reflecting on Rohit's crucial phone call, said in a BCCI video, Thank you very much, Ro (Rohit), for making that call in November and asking me to continue. It’s been such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each and every one of you, but also with Ro. Thank you for your time. I know as captain and coach, there are a lot of times we have to chat. We have to agree; we have to disagree. It’s been brilliant to know each and every one of you.”

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has revealed that Dravid, 51, chose not to continue for another term due to personal reasons.