Greg Chappell ‘happy’ for Rahul Dravid as former India coach sends special message after T20 World Cup triumph

A month ago, India coach Rahul Dravid had a bittersweet relationship with the Caribbean islands. Certainly, he had some memorable performances as an active cricketer, notably in the West Indies Test matches, but the surprise elimination during the group stage of the 2007 ODI World Cup under his captaincy, where India lost to Bangladesh in their opening match, seemed to overshadow his contributions as a batsman.

The emotions, one might assume, will be very different now. On Saturday, June 29, the Indian team, with Rahul Dravid as head coach, ended an 11-year wait for an ICC title by winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados. The tournament also marked the end of Dravid’s tenure; he had already confirmed his departure before the World Cup began. It was, fittingly, the perfect send-off Dravid could have asked for, and on Monday he received a congratulatory message from the Australian who had become rather infamous in India after the 2007 ODI World Cup disaster: Greg Chappell.

Chappell was the head coach of the Indian team at the time, and it was during his tenure that Dravid was named the captain of the team, succeeding Sourav Ganguly. After the Indian batting great won the World Cup title as coach, Chappell was all praise for him.

“Congratulations to India for winning the T20 World Cup. I am especially happy that Rahul was part of the victory,” Chappell said. noon.

The duo worked closely together throughout Chappell’s tenure as head coach, and the Australian hailed Dravid’s “passion” for Indian cricket, adding that it was the perfect ending for the Indian legend.

“His passion for Indian cricket has always been evident, so the fact that he was an integral part of planning this victory must be particularly satisfying for him.

“It’s a wonderful way for him to end his time with the team,” Chappell said.

While Dravid has stepped down from his role, India’s two batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, called time on their T20I careers. The BCCI is expected to announce Dravid’s successor in the role soon, with former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir among the favorites to fill the role.

What future for the Indian team?

The team will next be seen in action in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, which begins on July 6. Only two members of the squad that featured in the T20 World Cup – Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson – will be seen in action in Zimbabwe.

Shubman Gill will lead Team India in the series as the team begins its new era after the retirement of three senior stars.