Watch: ‘Gentleman’ Rahul Dravid Asks Kids To Lower Bats As He Gets Guard Of Honour

Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach concluded on a high note as he led Rohit Sharma and his team to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling final where they narrowly defeated South Africa by seven runs. This triumph marked Dravid’s first ICC title, a dream come true for him as a coach after not securing any ICC titles during his playing career. His coaching stint, which lasted two and a half years, ended after the World Cup.

Post his coaching tenure, Dravid visited a local cricket academy in Bengaluru, receiving a heartfelt welcome from the staff and players. The staff applauded the World Cup-winning coach, and the children formed a guard of honour by raising their bats. True to his gentlemanly nature, Dravid asked the kids to lower their bats and expressed his gratitude for the gesture.

During Team India’s felicitation ceremony in Mumbai, Dravid recounted a pivotal moment when skipper Rohit Sharma’s phone call convinced him to stay on after the 2023 World Cup final loss. Dravid shared, “I wasn’t sure if I would continue after the 50 overs World Cup. The joy of having a fantastic ODI World Cup was mixed with the disappointment of not winning the final. Rohit called me and said, ‘Rahul, let’s have one more crack at it in six or eight months.’ That was the best phone call of my life.”

In addition, legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar suggested that it would be fitting for the Indian government to honor Rahul Dravid with the Bharat Ratna. Gavaskar praised Dravid, stating, “It would be apt if the Government of India honours him with the Bharat Ratna, for that’s what he has truly been. A great player and captain, he achieved significant away series wins in the West Indies and England. He has also been a wonderful talent groomer as the chairman of the National Cricket Academy and as the coach of the senior team.”