The T20 World Cup 2024 is up and running, and the Men in Blue are again set on a hunt for their first ICC triumph in over a decade. Amidst all the World Cup ambitions, is the lingering future of Rahul Dravid, the head coach.
After failing to secure the ODI World Cup at home in November last year, Dravid's future was always going to be in massive doubt. Seven months on, Rahul Dravid has stated that he will step down as India's head coach after the ongoing T20 World Cup. 'The Wall' will not extend his tenure at the helm, at the end of his current tenure on June 30.
"Every game that I've coached for India has been very important for me. For me, this is no different just because it is going to be the last one that I'm in charge of. I love doing the job. I've really enjoyed coaching India, and I think it's a truly special job to do. I've enjoyed working with this team, and it's a great bunch of boys to work with," he said on Monday.
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In other reports, Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner to succeed Dravid as the men's head coach.
Talking of the 'Mission in Caribbean', would bring some unpleasant memories to the mind of Rahul Dravid. A déjà vu he would rather forget. The West Indies has never been a happy hunting ground for Rahul Dravid.
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World Cups in West Indies have never been kind to Rahul Dravid
2007 ODI World Cup: Contributed in him stepping down as captain
Rahul Dravid has had unpleasant memories of the Caribbean. The last time Rahul Dravid featured in a World Cup campaign for India in the Caribbean, was in 2007. The Karnataka-born cricketer was the captain of the squad that had a shambolic World Cup campaign in 2007.
India failed to qualify out of the group stages in the CWC 2007. The Rahul Dravid-led side were placed in Group B, alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bermuda.
In what was a shocker of a tournament, India's solitary win in the three-match group-stage, came against minnows and debutants, Bermuda.
Following the fiasco, Dravid announced his resignation from the captaincy only a few months later. A big factor leading to the decision, is owed to the premature exit from the ICC ODI World Cup 2007.
2024 T20 World Cup: Coach
Rahul Dravid will step down as coach of the Indian cricket team after the 2024 T20 World Cup, currently being held in the West Indies. However, this time around, Dravid has a chance to say good bye on a high if India manage to lift their second T20 World Cup title.
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When will India play their first match at the T20 World Cup 2024?
India will face Ireland in their inaugural game at the T20 World Cup 2024. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be in action on June 05, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
The proceedings will kickstart at 20:00 hours IST. Moreover, the fans in India can catch all the live action for free on Disney+ Hotstar.
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