We saw Dravid celebrating like a 5-year-old, that’s the beauty of sports: Uthappa | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024

17 years ago, India made history when they became the first team ever to win a T20 World Cup by beating arch-rivals Pakistan in a nail-biting final that had the match swinging either way. In 2024, India defeated South Africa in another thrilling final, defending 176 for just seven runs.

At 30 off 30, the match was firmly in South Africa’s favor before Jasprit Bumrah turned the screws with a tight four-run to spare. From there, Hardik Pandya picked up the important wicket of Heinrich Klaasen as the pendulum swung completely in India’s favour.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa, who was part of the 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, expressed his emotions and stated that he ‘cried’ for every player for the first 20 minutes after India’s victory in Barbados. Uthappa also shed light on the tough environment that the Indian players find themselves in.

“I could feel everyone’s emotions so much. I cried for every single player for the first 20 minutes after the win. I went to God and bowed before Him to thank Him. As a cricketer who played for India, who represented the country to thank Him for the win, because it took so long. Everyone who played for India and represented our country knows the kind of shit we have to go through,” Uthappa said while R Ashwin also shed tears after India’s historic win.

More importantly, this victory was a fitting end to Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach. The Indian legend was on the wrong side of the 2007 ODI World Cup, where India crashed out of the group stage under his captaincy.

Also read: Rahul Dravid and the Chak De moment he needed and deserved

Although he ended his playing career without a World Cup title, he helped the Men in Blue break their 11-year ICC trophy drought in 2024 in his last ever series as India’s head coach. Dravid holding the trophy aloft in the most vibrant manner was the highlight of the trophy ceremony, with Uthappa pointing out that Dravid celebrated like a five-year-old child.

“When I look at Rahul Dravid’s journey as a coach and as a player. Think about how many years he has played. And in his last match as a coach and possibly his last day that he was ever associated with the BCCI, that is the day that he finally gets his first trophy. We saw the 50-year-old man celebrating like a five-year-old child. That is the beauty of sports,” concluded Uthappa.

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