'These boys have inspired the younger generation': Rahul Dravid hails 'fighting spirit' of Rohit-led Indian team

NEW DELHI: Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian team during its victorious campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup, recalled the team’s previous meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad, which took place during a difficult time. Dravid congratulated the victorious players, saying they will serve as an inspiration to the younger generation.

The last meeting between the Indian team and Prime Minister Modi took place in the dressing room in Ahmedabad, where the atmosphere was one of sadness, grief and distress. However, on Thursday, as the same team gathered at the Prime Minister’s residence, the mood was one of immense pride and joy, in stark contrast to their previous encounter.

The first encounter had taken place on November 19 the previous year, after India had lost to Australia in the ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite an impressive run of 10 consecutive wins, the men in blue had stumbled at the final hurdle, leaving the entire nation dejected.

Prime Minister Modi took time to comfort and encourage the country’s most loved and treasured group of young men during these difficult times. He addressed each player individually, offering handshakes, hugs and comforting words, urging them to keep their spirits up.

Dravid thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to meet the team after their 6-wicket defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad. Dravid said, “We are happy to interact again on this auspicious occasion.”

“I would like to thank you for giving us this opportunity to meet you and during our match in Ahmedabad, you had come there too, I agree, the timing was not so good, so we are very happy that we could meet you today on this auspicious occasion,” Dravid said during an interaction with Prime Minister Modi at the Prime Minister’s residence in Delhi.

Dravid revealed that Rohit Sharma had persuaded him to extend his tenure till the next T20 World Cup. This decision was taken during a telephonic conversation between the two.

He expressed admiration for the team’s resilience and determination, saying their “fighting spirit” and “never die attitude” will serve as an inspiration to the younger generation of cricketers.

“I would just like to say that the fighting spirit that Rohit and all these boys have shown, the never give up attitude that they have shown, means a lot, the credit goes to the boys, they have worked very hard for this. It is a great joy that these boys have inspired the younger generation…” Dravid added.