Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, recently reflected on his tenure, highlighting the 2021-22 Test series defeat against South Africa as the most challenging moment.
In the series, India, led by Virat Kohli, had a golden opportunity to secure their maiden series victory on South African soil. They began with a resounding 113-run victory in the opening Test at Centurion, but the Proteas staged a remarkable comeback, winning the following two Tests by seven wickets each.
Dravid attributed the defeat to the absence of several senior players, including Rohit Sharma, and South Africa’s resilience. “We were very close, and in both the second and third Test matches, we had a big opportunity,” he said. “But South Africa played well and chased back in the fourth innings.”
Despite the setback, Dravid had an impressive tenure as India’s coach. He led the team to an ICC T20 World Cup victory in 2022, a runner-up finish in the 2023 50-over World Cup, and the runner-up spot in the ICC World Test Championship.
Dravid’s tenure was marked by a focus on player development and a commitment to building a strong team culture. He emphasized the importance of mental toughness and resilience, qualities that were evident in India’s performances under his guidance.
