Legendary Sachin Tendulkar was ecstatic after Rohit Sharma-led India beat South Africa by seven runs to win T20 World Cup title for the second time. Tendulkar wrote a message for the Indian team with special mention for his former teammate Rahul Dravid who completed his tenure as head coach with a trophy in the cabinet. Dravid faced hard times as captain in West Indies when India were knocked out of ODI World Cup 2007. 17 years later, Dravid returned to the Caribbean and won the trophy as head coach.
“Every star added to the Team India jersey inspires our nation’s starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams. India gets the 4th star, our second in @T20WorldCup,” Tendulkar wrote on X.
“Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our lows in the 2007 ODI World Cup to becoming a cricketing powerhouse and winning the T20WC in 2024. Very happy for my friend Rahul Dravid, who missed out on the 2011 World Cup win but his contribution to this T20 World Cup victory has been immense. I am so so happy for him.”
Tendulkar lauded skipper Rohit Sharma for moving on from the heartbreaking ODI World Cup 2023 to lead the side to end India's ICC trophy drought. He praised 'Player of the tournament' Jasprit Bumrah and 'Player of the match' Virat Kohli as well.
“What can one say about @ImRo45? Superb captaincy! To put the 2023 ODI World Cup loss behind and to keep all our players motivated towards the T20 World Cup is commendable,” he further wrote.
“@Jaspritbumrah93's Player of the Tournament award as well as @imVkohli's Player of the Match award are both well-deserved. They were just superb when it mattered.”
Coaches and support staff get a special mention from Tendulkar
The 51-year-old congratulated bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, batting coach Vikram Rathour who made their international debut in 1996 alongside Dravid.
“Along with Rahul, Paras Mhambrey and Vikram Rathour also made their international debuts in 1996. It was wonderful to see Team India excel under the guidance of this class of '96
“A total team effort. Hearty congratulations to all the players, coaches, support staff, and @BCCI,” he signed off.
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