'I tried holding him back' - Rohit Sharma on trying his best to coerce Rahul Dravid into staying as head coach post T20 World Cup 2024

In a fresh development, it has come to light that Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, attempted to persuade former Indian cricketer, Rahul Dravid, to continue in his role as head coach of Team India, even beyond the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Rohit admitted attempting to persuade Dravid to remain in his role but acknowledged that Dravid had other priorities in his life, primarily his family and other commitments. Alluding to their 14-year age difference, Rohit referred to Dravid as a role model for himself and his contemporaries during their formative years. He praised Dravid's unwavering grit and determination, evident both in his impeccable and steadfast batting on the field and his composed demeanour in media interactions off it. Rohit expressed his desire to learn and internalize these qualities, particularly after Dravid was appointed as Team India's head coach in November 2021. 

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"I tried holding him back (in the head coach job), but he has a lot of things he needs to look after as well. He's been such a big role model for all of us growing up. We watched him play and we know what he's achieved personally as a player and also what he's done for the team over the years. Battling out the team from difficult situations. That is what he is known for. He's shown a lot of determination throughout his career. And that is something that when he came here as a coach, you know, I wanted to learn from him," shared an emotional Rohit, with a lump in his voice. 

I don't want to say anything more: Rohit

When asked about his desire to win the T20 World Cup 2024 for the departing Dravid, given their surprising lack of success in securing major trophies despite numerous bilateral series victories, Rohit expressed his admiration for working with Dravid and conveyed his hope to win the tournament but hesitated midway through, hinting at a reluctance to jinx their chances after falling agonizingly short at claiming the 50-ober World Cup last year, coming on the back of 10 victories on the bounce.

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“It was great working with him, and I hope to.… I don't want to say anything more,” remarked Rohit.