As India gears up for the T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland, emotions ran high during a pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Indian captain Rohit Sharma couldn’t hold back his feelings when discussing the departure of head coach Rahul Dravid. Known for his calm demeanor, Rohit was visibly moved as he spoke about his long-standing relationship with Dravid. However, Dravid confirmed that this World Cup would mark the end of his tenure.

Dravid’s Decision to Step Down

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had advertised the position of head coach, leading to conjectures about Dravid’s future. This announcement put an end to widespread speculations about his future, which began when the BCCI advertised for the head coach position.

Dravid himself confirmed his decision on Monday, stating that he would not re-apply for the job. His legacy as a former captain and mentor would forever be etched in Indian cricket history.

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Rohit’s Tribute to Dravid

During a pre-match press conference, Rohit Sharma revealed his efforts to convince Dravid to stay. The emotional connection between the two was evident.

“I tried convincing Dravid to stay,” Rohit admitted, his voice tinged with emotion. “Personally, I’ve enjoyed my time with him. I am not going to say anything more.”

Rohit elaborated on his bond with Dravid, recalling their shared history: “We have not thought about it. My equation with him goes a long way back. I played under him. He is such a big role model for all of us. We know what he achieved. He has shown a lot of determination in his career. I have enjoyed every bit of it.”

The Search for a Successor

With Dravid’s impending departure confirmed, the BCCI is actively seeking his successor. The leading candidate appears to be Gautam Gambhir, who recently led the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the IPL 2024 as their mentor. Gambhir has expressed his interest in the role, stating at a recent media event that he would “love” to coach the Indian team, calling it “the biggest honor.”

As India prepares for the T20 World Cup under Dravid’s guidance one last time, the cricketing world watches with anticipation to see who will step into the significant role of head coach.