"I know how hard he has worked to change this approach" - Ravichandran Ashwin on Rahul Dravid ahead of IND vs SA 2024 T20 World Cup final
Ravichandran Ashwin has stated that Team India head coach Rahul Dravid deserves credit for the Men in Blue's success at the 2024 T20 World Cup. He opined that Dravid has played a major role in the side's shift in approach.
The veteran spinner pointed out how Dravid had to resign from ODI captaincy after India's group-stage exit at the 2007 ODI World Cup. He also highlighted that everyone is quick to point fingers at the 51-year-old for the team's shortcomings even during the legendary batter's coaching tenure.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ahead of India's 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa:
"I want to talk about a person who is sacred. 2007, 50-over World Cup. India gets knocked out. Rahul Dravid, the captain at that point of time. He he doesn't captain the one-day side after that. He has been with the Indian team. If something doesn't go well, if the Indian team goes out, if they lose a match, immediately, they ask what Rahul Dravid is doing."
Ashwin mentioned that Dravid had worked incredibly hard for the betterment of the Indian team and their players, adding:
"I know what he has been doing with this team for the past 2-3 years. I know how balanced he has been. I know how hard he has worked to change this approach. I know what he has given each of his players. Even when he is just sitting at home, he has been planning how to do this and that."
India are currently unbeaten in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Suggesting that qualifying for the final in such challenging conditions is a praiseworthy accomplishment, Ashwin commented:
"We all should understand. Going to the final is a very big achievement in a world tournament. Conditions have been tough. There are a lot of challenges. You won't know the challenges of the team from the outside. Even small things are a challenge."
It is worth mentioning that the 2024 T20 World Cup is set to be Dravid's final assignment as Team India's head coach. If India manage to beat South Africa in the summit clash, it would be Dravid's maiden World Cup triumph, an achievement that eluded him during his playing days.
"He has put it to bed" - Ravichandran Ashwin wants Suryakumar Yadav to silence his naysayers with an impactful knock in the 2024 T20 World Cup final
Ravichandran Ashwin also spoke about how Suryakumar Yadav has received some flak, with certain fans trolling him for his performances in important matches.
He stated that the 2024 T20 World Cup final would be a wonderful opportunity for Suryakumar to silence his critics. Ashwin remarked in the same video:
"Suryakumar Yadav is one of the finest T20 batters in the world. He is playing extraordinarily well. But, as usual, our people have been saying about knockout performances and big teams. But, he has put it to bed. The high-quality player that he is, he has shown it with his intent in No. 4."
Suryakumar has done a commendable job with the bat at the 2024 T20 World Cup, chalking up 196 runs from seven outings. He played a crucial 47-run knock in India's semifinal win over England.
The 2024 T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa will be played at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. The game kicks off at 8:00 PM (IST).