Major Achievements of Rahul Dravid as Team India Coach

As Rahul Dravid’s three-year tenure as India’s head coach comes to an end, his departure leaves a significant gap in the team’s management.

Dravid, often referred to as “The Wall,” had a remarkable stint with the Men in Blue, transforming the squad and creating a formidable combination of players. Since taking over in November 2021, Dravid has led Team India through a period of significant change, including a shift in captaincy and a new team attitude.

Here, we highlight five major achievements of Rahul Dravid as the coach of Team India.

Defining Player Roles

During his tenure, Dravid methodically defined and clarified the roles of each player across all formats. This strategic move was exemplified by skipper Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach during the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024.

Dravid also set clear expectations for the bowling unit, ensuring that every player understood their responsibilities. This clarity reduced undue pressure and fostered a cohesive team environment.

Ascension to No. 1 Rankings

Under Dravid’s guidance, India achieved the coveted number one spot in the ICC rankings across formats. This accomplishment highlighted Dravid’s philosophy of nurturing young talent and fostering a winning team culture.

The aggressive approach instilled by the Dravid-Sharma duo, particularly in the shorter formats, improved India’s powerplay scoring rates. While Test supremacy remained just out of reach with a second-place ranking, India’s strong performance in bilateral series solidified their status as a global cricketing powerhouse.

Building Young Talent

Rahul Dravid’s tenure focused not only on immediate results but also on building for the future. He created a culture of opportunity, allowing young players to shine. Under his guidance, talents like Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj emerged, showcasing their skills on the international stage.

Dravid’s previous experience with India A and Under-19 teams was instrumental in understanding and developing these young players. This emphasis on nurturing young talent ensures a strong foundation for the future of Indian cricket.

The ODI World Cup Final

One of the significant achievements under Dravid’s coaching was leading India to the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Dravid’s leadership brought discipline and focus to the young squad, resulting in a stellar performance throughout the tournament.

The batting line-up delivered crucial performances, while the bowling attack showcased adaptability across different pitches. Despite falling short in the final, reaching this stage under Dravid’s leadership marked a notable achievement.

The T20 World Cup Trophy

Team India ended their ICC trophy drought by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. This victory was a significant milestone for Dravid, who stepped down as head coach after this triumph.

Despite near misses in the 2022 T20 World Cup (semifinals) and the 2023 World Cup (runner-up in both ODI and Test formats), the perseverance of the Dravid-Sharma duo paid off. Their strategies culminated in a dominant T20 World Cup victory against South Africa. This win not only secured India’s third T20 World Cup title but also cemented Dravid’s legacy as a coach who fostered a winning atmosphere.

In conclusion, Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach of Team India was marked by significant achievements. His ability to define roles, build young talent, and lead the team to crucial victories has left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.