The behind-the-scenes stories of a team that goes on to become a champion team are always gripping and heartwarming.
Rahul Dravid
, the outgoing head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, briefly touched on one such story during his farewell speech in the Indian dressing room after
Rohit Sharma
& Co won the
T20 World Cup
in Barbados on June 29.
After the heartbreak of losing the ODI World Cup final in November last year, Dravid wanted to step down; but a call from skipper Rohit helped him change his mind and continue in the role till the T20 World Cup.
Albeit not as a player, the decision led to Dravid fulfilling his dream of winning a World Cup; and for this, 'The Wall' thanked Rohit in his speech.
India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, coming back from a point when the Proteas seemed to be cruising in chase of India's 176 for 7 before faltering to end short at 169 for 8.
Dravid lauded that lion-hearted effort of his boys.
Here's the full text of his farewell speech:
"I am really short of words, but all I just want to say is thank you to everyone for making me a part of what is an incredible memory. I think all of you will remember these moments. Like we always say it's not about the runs, not about the wickets, you'll never remember your career, but you will remember moments like these. So let's really enjoy. I could not be more prouder of your guys.
The comeback the way you did, the way you fought, the way we worked as a team, the reslience. There've been disappointments over the years. We have come close but we have never been able to cross the line, but what this bunch of boys has done, what all of you have done, what everyone in the support staff has done, the hard work that we have put in, the sacrifices that we have made, the who country is really really proud of each and every one of you and what you have achieved.
Guys, I think there are so many sacrifices that each and everyone of you make. Your family is here today, enjoying it. So many of your family is back home. Just think about all the sacrifices each and every one of them has made since the time you were kids to be here in this dressing room today -- your parents, your wife, your children, your brothers, your coaches, so many people have made so many sacrifices and worked so hard with you, for you to enjoy this memory and this moment.
Really, really proud to have been a part of this memory with you guys. All I can say is thank you so much. I am short of words. I am not usually short of words, but on a day like today, I think for me to just be part of this, I could not be more grateful and more thankful for the respect, the kindness for the effort that each and everyone of you has shown to me, to my coaching staff, to my support staff. Thank you so much.
Just like to say, Ro (Rohit), thank you so much for making that call to me in November and asking me to continue. I think it's such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each of you but also to Ro, thanks for the time. I know as a captain and a coach there's a lot of time we have to chat, we have to discuss, we have to agree, we have to disagree at times. But thank you so very much. I think it's brilliant to know each of you as a person.
It's your moment, guys, remember it. It's not about any individual, it's about a team. We have won this as a team, we did everything we could for the last month as a team. It's about all of us.
Let's party, let's really enjoy this.
Behind a great team there is also a successful organization, and I would just like to acknowledge the work of the BCCI and the people behind the scenes for the work and stuff they have done for us. Each and every one of us comes through a system, each and every one of us comes through an organization that gives us the opportunity to grow and play. So thank you very much."
WATCH VIDEO OF DRAVID'S SPEECH
English (US) ·