Top 5 Moments Rahul Dravid had as head coach of India, Rahul Dravid’s journey came full circle when he won an ICC title in the West Indies as India’s head coach—a redemption moment after the 2007 ODI World Cup, where he faced an early exit as captain at the same venue.
Appointed head coach in 2021, Dravid brought calm leadership and a focus on nurturing young talent. He stepped down after the 2024 T20 World Cup, reportedly to spend more time with his family.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 Moments Rahul Dravid had as head coach of India:
1. Embracing Virat Kohli after the 2022 T20 World Cup victory over Pakistan in Melbourne
Top 5 Moments Rahul Dravid had as head coach of India: Virat Kohli produced one of his finest T20 performances with an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In a high-pressure chase, he formed a crucial 113-run partnership with Hardik Pandya, who contributed 40 runs, guiding India to a dramatic last-ball victory. The match sparked joyous reactions from fans and players around the world.
Head coach Rahul Dravid was full of admiration for Kohli’s brilliance. He greeted him with a heartfelt hug and praised the match-winning effort, calling it one of the greatest innings ever played for India.
2. Guiding the Indian squad to the 2023 World Cup final
Top 5 Moments Rahul Dravid had as head coach of India: After finishing as runners-up in the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC), India entered the 2021–23 cycle with high hopes—and largely delivered. They drew a hard-fought away series against England and dominated at home with Test series victories over Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.
While an away series loss to South Africa was a blemish, India still finished second in the WTC standings, earning a place in the final once again. However, they fell short in the title clash, losing to Australia by 209 runs. Despite the defeat, the Indian team was widely praised for their consistent excellence and competitive spirit in Test cricket throughout the cycle.
3. Taking Team India to 2023 World Cup final
Top 5 Moments Rahul Dravid had as head coach of India: The 2023 World Cup in India saw massive fan support as hopes soared for another title win. Team India dominated the group stage, winning all nine matches and topping the table. Led by Rohit Sharma, they beat New Zealand by 70 runs in the semifinal. However, in the final, India posted 240 and couldn’t defend it against Australia. Despite the loss, the team was widely praised for their exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
4. Negating the Bazball threat and winning 4-1 over England
Top 5 Moments Rahul Dravid had as head coach of India: England’s 2024 tour of India came with high expectations around their “Bazball” approach. They started strong, winning the first Test, but India’s bowlers—Ashwin, Bumrah, and Jadeja—turned the tide. Despite missing Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, young Indian batters stepped up, leading to a 4-1 series win.
“Proud of the team. Losing the first Test was tough, but the comeback showed great character,” said head coach Rahul Dravid.
5. After winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, expressing his feelings
Top 5 Moments Rahul Dravid had as head coach of India: After the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup, India bounced back brilliantly in the 2024 T20 World Cup, going unbeaten into the knockouts. They defeated England by 68 runs in the semifinal and faced South Africa in a tense final in Barbados.
India posted 176, but with South Africa needing just 30 runs off 30 balls, the game seemed lost. However, superb death bowling from Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya turned the tide, sealing a thrilling seven-run win. An emotional Rahul Dravid lifted the trophy, finally achieving his long-awaited ICC glory as head coach.
Conclusion
Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach was defined by key triumphs, including the 2024 T20 World Cup win and nurturing young talent. His calm, focused leadership delivered memorable moments and lasting impact—true to the legacy of “The Wall.”
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FAQ`s
Q1: What was Rahul Dravid’s biggest achievement as India’s head coach?
A: Dravid’s biggest achievement was guiding India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending an 11-year ICC title drought.
Q2: How did Dravid handle challenges like injuries and missing key players?
A: Dravid focused on building bench strength, successfully backing young players who stepped up when seniors like Kohli and Rahul were unavailable.
Q3: Was there a memorable Test series win during Dravid’s tenure?
A: Yes, India’s 4-1 Test series win over England in 2024, after losing the first match, was one of the standout moments.