As the curtains close on Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach of India’s men’s cricket team, a profound moment of mentorship and aspiration was captured and shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Instagram.
In what was a heartfelt exchange between Dravid and star batter Virat Kohli, the message was clear and laser-focused: to claim the World Test Championship, the one significant trophy still eluding Kohli’s grasp.
A Legacy Adorned with Victories
Dravid’s final instruction to Kohli, “All three white ticked off, one red to go. Tick it,” references Kohli’s commendable accomplishments in the limited-overs formats—wins in the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy—but also nudges his ambition toward the red-ball game’s ultimate prize.
Dravid, a cricketing legend in his own right, repeated his words warmly, offering both a farewell and a mission to his protégée, “Go tick it.”
Triumphant Adieu to a Respected Coach
Marking the end of a significant chapter, this interaction followed India’s momentous triumph in the T20 World Cup where they defeated South Africa by seven runs to secure their second title, the first being in 2007 under leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Dravid, who assumed the coaching mantle in 2021, concluded his stint with the highest of accolades. Under his guidance, the team made strides across formats, bolstering their legacy with a newly secured world title.
Commemorations and Future Aspirations
A celebratory video capturing these final exchanges also featured Suryakumar Yadav, whose remarkable skill on the field played a vital role in the final against South Africa. Overwhelmed by the victory, Yadav shared, “No feelings right now, I don’t know what to say.”
Representing the younger talent, pacer Arshdeep Singh also reveled in the win, illustrating his belief in the team’s success through polaroid photos taken before and after the final, remarking, “This that belief can do.”
As the nation basks in the triumph of this young team, the direction set forth by their cricketing icons, both past and present, will determine their trajectory.
With the T20 victory behind them, the Indian team now looks ahead to further challenges and potential glories that await, including the prestigious World Test Championship.
In Review
India’s array of accolades in the sport speak volumes of their dominance and prowess on the cricket field. With two ODI World Cup victories in 1983 and 2011, and Champions Trophy wins in 2002 and 2013, their recent victory in the T20 domain only adds another feather to their cap.
Yet, the true measure of their competence is the showcase of tenacity and the drive toward obtaining the refulgent World Test Championship trophy.
A Vision Set Forth
Virat Kohli, lauded for his talent and aggressive passion for the game, stands at a new dawn in his cricketing journey. His mentor’s parting words serve not just as a fond send-off, but as a beacon that will guide him toward newer heights.
Kohli’s response, though silent in the shared video, resonated with determination—a trait that Dravid himself championed throughout his illustrious career.
For Team India and Virat Kohli, the mission is unequivocal: to conquer the pinnacle of the longest format, a quest that pays homage to the spirit and legacy of their outgoing coach, Rahul Dravid.
As India strides into a new era, the cricketing world watches with eager anticipation, witnessing a tale of ambition, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.