"We Don't Feel Pressure To...': Rahul Dravid's Remarks Ahead of WTC Final vs Australia
Team India gearing up for WTC final at The Oval
In an earnest and composed manner, Indian head coach, Rahul Dravid, has dismissed any notion of pressure regarding their decade-long absence from clinching an ICC trophy. While acknowledging the ambition of an ICC tournament, Dravid emphasized the significance of looking at the bigger picture
The last time India secured an ICC event was in 2013 under the leadership of MS Dhoni, when they emerged as champions in the Champions Trophy. Since then, they have come tantalizingly close to claiming the title, reaching the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC), only to finish as runners-up on both occasions.
As India prepares to take on Australia in the WTC final commencing on Wednesday, June 7, the coach faced a query during a press conference about whether the team senses the burden of not having seized an ICC trophy for an entire decade.
Responding to the question, Dravid firmly denied any pressure, emphasizing that the team is unaffected by the pursuit of securing an ICC trophy. While acknowledging the appeal of such a win, he clarified that the team's focus lies in the broader context.
The former cricketer stressed that the upcoming tournament marks the pinnacle of a comprehensive two-year effort, representing the culmination of significant accomplishments that have propelled them to this stage.
"No, not at all. I mean, we don't feel any pressure in terms of trying to win an ICC trophy. Of course, it would be nice to do it. It's certainly nice to be able to win an ICC tournament. But also in the context of things, you look at this and you see this is the culmination of two years of work, it's a culmination of a lot of success that gets you here,” said Dravid.
The Indian veteran further highlighted the multitude of positives that can be gleaned from the team's performance which include impressive wins in Australia, drawing the series in England, and competitiveness showcased in all matches played worldwide throughout the past five to six years.
The legendary batter stated that certain aspects remain constant regardless of possessing an ICC trophy or not, underscoring the significance of the bigger picture.
"Those are things that will never change just because you have or you don't have an ICC trophy,” added the 50-year-old.
Dravid, however, acknowledged the innate satisfaction in winning any cricket match, particularly in the context of the upcoming WTC final. He expressed the team's desire to secure a favourable outcome in this game of monumental proportions.
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