Former India captain Rahul Dravid believes the country’s deep reservoir of cricketing talent is now translating into sustained success on the global stage. India’s recent run of victories, particularly in white-ball formats, has seen teams across different categories and genders deliver consistent results.
Dravid shared his thoughts after being honoured with the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s annual awards ceremony. He pointed to the significant progress the sport has made in the country and acknowledged the combined efforts that have driven this rise.
“It just kind of feels right, right? Almost everything coming together at this point of time where Indian cricket has always had great potential and it’s realising that potential on the field as well. Off the field, I think we’ve always had everything we needed and on the field, it’s been great to see that potential being realised.”
India’s achievements over the past two years include triumphs in the men’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on two occasions, along with titles in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, the men’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup and the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup. These accomplishments, according to Dravid, reflect years of dedication and perseverance from players and support staff.
“It’s been phenomenal. It’s just been amazing to see the way Indian cricket has grown over these three decades”, Dravid added, reflecting on the sport’s evolution since his international debut.
More Read
He further emphasised the role of strong administrative systems, coaching structures and grassroots development in shaping India’s success. “Indian cricket has always had amazing talent. We’ve always had really good administrators. We’ve always had really good coaches (and) we’ve been able to back that up with incredible infrastructure. We’ve always had a fantastic domestic system, (a) very good junior cricket system.”
Dravid also highlighted the contribution of passionate supporters, noting that India’s fan base has played a key part in the team’s journey. “The kind of supporters and fans that we have, deserved all of this to come together, to have success on the field. It’s amazing to see how that all of that is coming together now.” he mentioned.
Having guided India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2024 as head coach, Dravid praised the current squad for living up to expectations and sustaining the momentum established by earlier generations after entering the tournament as favourites.
He also expressed delight at Sanju Samson’s resurgence, with the wicketkeeper-batter earning Player of the Tournament honours for his performances in the closing stages of the competition.
“It was really nice to see Sanju (to) be able to sort of get it all together in those final three games – very important games for India,” the former skipper said.
Reflecting on receiving the lifetime achievement recognition, Dravid conveyed his gratitude for the opportunities he has experienced throughout his career. ” very grateful for receiving the award. Very grateful for the many opportunities that I’ve received in my life and the opportunities that I’ve got.”
“(I was) lucky to have played with some of the greatest cricketers and been lucky to have travelled the world playing for the country. (I’ve) been lucky to be involved in the game after I retired as well and very humbled by the opportunities that the game is given,” Dravid remarked.
