Rohit Sharma Gets Emotional While Speaking About Rahul Dravid, Admits ‘I Tried Convincing Him To Stay’

New York: India captain Rohit Sharma got emotional on Tuesday before holding himself while talking about his association with departing head coach Rahul Dravid ahead of the Men in Blue’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign opener against Ireland. A former captain himself, Dravid will step down as India’s head coach after the T20 World Cup 2024. The BCCI is on the lookout for Dravid’s successor.

Speculations were rife that Dravid might not re-apply for the coach’s job ever since the BCCI put out an advertisement for the post of head coach. Putting an end to all rumours, Dravid confirmed on Monday that he will be stepping down from the post.

“I tried convincing Dravid to stay. But, personally, enjoyed my time with him. I am not going to say anything,” said Rohit, who got a bit emotional during India’s pre-match press conference. “My equation with him goes a long way back. I played under him.

Rohit got a bit emotional talking about Rahul Dravid association as coach. In the end, he just stopped suddenly and said don’t want to say more.

— Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa) June 4, 2024

“Such a big role model for all of us. We know what he achieved. He has shown a lot of determination in his career. I have enjoyed every bit of it,” added the Indian captain on being asked about his time with Dravid.

Known as ‘The Wall’ of Indian cricket, Dravid succeeded Ravi Shastri as India’s head coach in 2021. Although India didn’t win any single ICC trophy, in the last couple of years, the combination of Rohit and Rahul had worked well for India. Under the guidance of Dravid, India played in the finals of World Test Championship and ODI World Cup last year and the semifinals of 2022 T20 World Cup.

Asked about playing four spinners against Ireland, Rohit gave a safe answer. “I don’t know if we can play all four spinners together. It’s good to have options. All three spinners bowled well against Bangladesh. Bowled couple of overs each,” he added.

All in readiness

Match day loading #TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup | #INDvIRE pic.twitter.com/rwIYfcpXOk

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 4, 2024

The Nassau County Cricket International Stadium, which is also the venue for India vs Ireland match – has been criticized for its slowness and the uneven outfield during the Sri Lanka vs South Africa clash. Asked what would be the good score on the ground, Rohit said, “140-150 could be a good score.”

“Conditions will be same for all teams. Our focus will be to do well in all three departments versus the teams we are playing against,” he added.