India’s 2011 World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir reckoned Rohit Sharma should have said that the team wanted to win the World Cup for Rahul Dravid before the World Cup 2023 final.
India lost the World Cup 2023 final to Australia in Ahmedabad courtesy of Travis Head’s thunderous century.
India had gone into the final as favorites having won 10 consecutive matches in the tournament. But their collective bad day, coupled with some bad luck, came all together in the final, which saw India’s decade-long ICC title drought extend.
The final was also a sort of redemption for Dravid, under whom India were knocked out in the group-stage in the 2007 World Cup.
Before the final, Rohit Sharma had said: “The way he [Dravid] stood by the players in difficult times, especially during the T20 World Cup, where we had a good run up until that semifinal, where we lost. How he reacted to certain situations and informed the players was helpful. He wants to be part of this big occasion, and it’s for us to do it for him [Dravid].”
You are trying to win the World Cup for the entire country: Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir, who won the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup, reckoned Rohit Sharma shouldn’t have made such a statement in public.
Speaking with Sportskeeda, Gautam Gambhir said: “Every player, every coach wants to win the World Cup. If he wants a renewal then definitely he should be given that chance. What better than continuity? I would never understand one thing. It happened during our time in 2011 too. When you say that you want to win the World Cup an individual, doesn’t matter who that is… this statement is not right.
“You are trying to win the World Cup for the entire country. And if you want to say such a thing then don’t say it in the media. Keep it within yourself. The truth is, it is more important to win a World Cup for the nation. I was asked the same in 2011 when everyone said we were trying to win the World Cup for one individual, I said no I want to win the Cup for my country. I picked up the bat for my country. So Rohit probably shouldn’t have said this.
Rahul Dravid’s contract has been renewed and he will be the head coach, at least until next year’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies.
