Page 47 - The Indian EYE 120823

SPORTS DECEMBER 08, 2023 | The Indian Eye 47

lia beat Men in Blue by six wickets in
the final of the Cricket World Cup at
Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadi-
um on November 19, continuing the
Men in Blue’s drought of ICC tro-
phies since 2014. Australia captured
its record-extending sixth World Cup
title.
Ashwin revealed during his con-
versation with former Indian crick-
eter Subramaniam Badrinath on the
latter’s Youtube channel that senior
players skipper Rohit Sharma and
Virat Kohli were crying following the
loss and these two “natural leaders”
created a vibe within the team.
“Yes, we felt the pain. Rohit and
Virat were crying. Seeing that it felt
bad. Anyways, not meant to be. This
team was an experienced team. Ev-
erybody knew what to do. And then,
it was professional. Everybody knew
their routines, and warm-ups. I think
two natural leaders gave the team the
space to do these two and created a
vibe,” said Ashwin.
Ashwin lauded Rohit Sharma’s
captaincy for leading the team from
the front, going after the bowlers
from ball one. The all-rounder said
that Rohit is an outstanding person
with a great understanding of every-
one.
“If you look at Indian cricket,
everybody will tell you MS Dhoni is
one of the best captains. Rohit Shar-
ma is an outstanding person. He un-
derstands every single person in the Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh celebrate after winning the 2nd T20I match against Australia by 44 runs (ANI)
team, he knows what each one of us
likes and dislikes. He has a great un-
derstanding. He puts in the effort to “I haven’t signed anything from the BCCI.”. been thoroughly memorable. Togeth-
know each member personally,” said yet”: Rahul Dravid Batting coach Vikram Rathour, er, we have witnessed the highs and
Ashwin. fielding coach T Dilip and bowling lows, and throughout this journey,
Ashwin said that Rohit often ig- ead coach Rahul Dravid coach Paras Mhambrey will continue the support and camaraderie within
nored his sleep to become a part of on Thursday stated that he their stint with Team India as BCCI the group have been phenomenal. I
team meetings. Hhasn’t signed any papers re- also extended contracts of the sup- am genuinely proud of the culture we
“He puts in a lot of effort. For- garding the length of his contract port staff of Team India. have set in the dressing room. It’s a
goes sleep and becomes part of meet- extension with Team India. The Dravid’s second stint with Team culture that stands resilient, whether
ings, he first puts in the effort. He Board of Control for Cricket in India India will be the tour of South Africa in moments of triumph or adversity.
takes an effort to understand how to (BCCI) on Wednesday announced from December 10, which will have The skills and talent that our team
explain tactics to each person. That’s the extension of contracts for head three ODIs and T20Is each and two possesses are phenomenal, and what
an advanced level of leadership in In- coach Rahul Dravid and the support Tests. The red-ball leg will start from we’ve stressed is following the right
dian cricket,” said Ashwin. staff of Team India (Senior Men). December 26. process and sticking to our prepara-
The spin-bowling all-rounder “The BCCI engaged in produc- Following that will be a five- tions, which has had a direct impact
hailed Rohit for “walking the talk” tive discussions with Rahul Dravid match Test series against England on the overall result.”
with the bat. after the term of his contract end- at home, before the ICC T20 World “I thank the BCCI and the Of-
“And also, walking the talk. Tell- ed following the recently concluded Cup in June in West Indies/USA. fice Bearers for placing their trust in
ing everyone to play a brand of crick- ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Dravid replaced Ravi Shastri me, endorsing my vision, and pro-
et is one thing, but doing it and show- and unanimously agreed to further following a disappointing ICC T20 viding support during this period.
ing it on the field is another thing. I the tenure,” BCCI said in an offi- World Cup campaign in 2021, which The demands of this role necessitate
have known Rohit for a long time. cial statement. However, the official saw India exit in the Super 12 stage. considerable time away from home,
What he did at the top set the ball statement from BCCI didn’t state the He was appointed for a two-year and I deeply appreciate my family’s
rolling. he gave us the confidence. contract length of Dravid as well as term, which ended with India’s run- sacrifices and support. Their instru-
He said ‘it is okay if we get out for the rest of the staff. ners-up finish in the recently conclud- mental role behind the scenes has
150. At least we will set the tone, in- When quizzed about his contract ed ICC Cricket World Cup at home. been invaluable. As we embrace new
still fear’. I think all 11 in the team length Dravid said, “It’s announced After the announcement of the challenges post the World Cup, we
had a great World Cup,” concluded officially, I haven’t signed anything contract extension, Dravid said, “The remain committed to the pursuit of
Ashwin. yet, let the papers come officially last two years with Team India have excellence,” he added.

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