After India won the T20 World Cup, their captain Rahul Dravid made his farewell statement in the dressing room

For now-former India head coach Rahul Dravid, it was a fitting end, since the ground where his captaincy saw the team’s early elimination in the 2007 50-over World Cup also transpired as the scene of his major team victory. Normally calm and collected, Dravid was unusually enthusiastic at the trophy presentation ceremony after the exciting seven-run triumph against South Africa in Barbados.

Recently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India released a moving 210-second video clip that showed Dravid giving his final parting speech in the dressing room. In the footage, Dravid’s comments enthralled the assembled audience with their eloquence.

Rahul Dravid acknowledged the sacrifices made by family, coaches, and others in the players’ journey and expressed his sincere gratitude for being a part of such an unforgettable experience. He also took satisfaction in the team’s resiliency.

He thanked Rohit especially for, among other things, choosing to continue as his coach through the 2023 T20 World Cup after the 2023 Cricket World Cup failure. He also gave the BCCI credit that they deserved at the end of the video for providing the squad with the smoothest possible experience and system.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗲-𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗟! 🫡

The sacrifices, the commitment, the comeback 🏆

📽️ #TeamIndia Head Coach Rahul Dravid’s emotional dressing room speech in Barbados 👌👌 #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/vVUMfTZWbc

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 2, 2024

“I have so few words, but I just want to say thank you to everyone for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing experience. You will all remember these times, I believe. You’ll cherish times like these even if it has nothing to do with runs or wickets. Let’s take full advantage of this. You people have my utmost admiration. To return the way you did, the way you battled, the way we collaborated as a team, the tenacity,” Dravid said in a video that the BCCI released.

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you calling me back in November, Ro (Rohit), and asking me to keep going. Playing with each and every one of you, as well as Ro, has been an honour, in my opinion. I appreciate your time and thank you so much for it.

Also read: In the T20 World Cup final, Suryakumar quotes Rohit’s motivational huddle speech

“A successful organisation is behind our outstanding team. I simply wanted to say thank you to everyone that works behind the scenes at the BCCI and for all that they do for us. We are all a part of a system and an organisation that provides us with the chance to develop and have fun, so thank you very much,” said Dravid.