“Never give up” - PR Sreejesh opens up on learnings from Indian cricket team’s T20 World Cup victory

India’s veteran hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has opened up on the valuable learnings from India’s recent T20 World Cup final victory against South Africa - ‘Never give up’. He is eager to emulate the same in the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024.

Notably, the Indian cricket team made a strong comeback to bag a thrilling seven-run victory from the jaws of defeat to end their 11-year ICC title drought. India’s last major ICC title win was in the Champions Trophy 2013 under the leadership of MS Dhoni.

“I did watch the final. The biggest learning from this World Cup is that don’t celebrate before the last ball. South Africa was almost winning till the 15th over but the Indian team did not give up hope and snatched the win from the jaws of defeat,” Sreejesh was quoted as saying by PTI Bhasha.

“That’s what not only us (hockey team) but every Olympic-bound athlete can learn from our cricket team is that never give up, just wait and fight till the last moment, you will achieve it. I will remember this in the Olympics,” he added.

---

“I met Dravid bhai long back” - PR Sreejesh reveals the valuable advice he received from the 'Wall'

PR Sreejesh, regarded as the 'Wall' of Indian hockey, disclosed the advice he received from the 'Wall' of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid when he met him years ago. Sreejesh stated that Dravid’s valuable advice helped him to remain humble throughout his career.

“I met Dravid bhai long back. He told us about the importance of patience and waiting for your moment. That’s what I did. I did not become one of the best goalkeepers in the world overnight. I waited for my opportunities. I have also learnt to remain humble from him,” PR Sreejesh said.

India are placed in the Group of Death - Pool B at Paris 2024 alongside Argentina, Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, and Ireland.

The Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists will start their Paris Olympics 2024 journey with a match against New Zealand on July 27, followed by a match against Argentina on July 29. Later, they will face Ireland and Belgium on July 30 and August 1, respectively. Their final pool-stage game is scheduled against Australia on August 2.

---

​