Rahul Dravid’s journey to World Cup glory was long and arduous. He waited until he was 51 years old, enduring the heartbreak of losing a World Cup final as a player in 2003 and as a coach in 2023. It seemed like India would clinch the title on November 19, 2023, but it was only in 2024 that Dravid’s patience and perseverance were rewarded. The pain of missing out as a player eased when his tenure as India's head coach culminated in a triumphant T20 World Cup win.

The moment Dravid finally held the trophy, brought to him by Player of the Match Virat Kohli, he released a roar so fierce it was as if years of pent-up emotions had been unleashed. Known for his calm and composed demeanor, Dravid’s outburst was a rare departure from his usual restraint. This was a man who, like Gary Kirsten, preferred to stay out of the limelight, focusing instead on his steadfast commitment to his team.

In that electrifying moment, Dravid shed his typically stoic persona, fully embracing the victory that realized the dreams of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Throughout his tenure, Dravid had a significant impact on the team, even while often working behind the scenes. A hallmark of the Rohit-Rahul leadership was their unwavering support for their players, avoiding frequent changes and fostering stability.

Dravid’s role as head coach was scrutinized even before it officially began. Seen as a future leader during a brief white-ball series against Sri Lanka in mid-2021, this stint acted as his audition for the high-pressure position he assumed full-time in November 2021.

From the start, Dravid faced the challenge of living up to the impressive legacy of his predecessor, Ravi Shastri, under whom India had notable successes, including consecutive series wins in Australia. While Dravid never toured Australia as a coach, he led the team to victories against them at home. Nevertheless, the loss and drawn Test series against a 'weaker' South African side were disappointments for Dravid, who highly valued away victories.

Dravid navigated the complexities of Indian cricket, managing a dressing room filled with superstars—a situation he knew well from his playing days. Conscious that any discord could be amplified, he relied on his keen understanding of people and situations, implementing his strategies without disrupting the existing framework. This approach, in partnership with captain Rohit Sharma, fostered a balanced environment that allowed players to thrive.

Under Dravid’s guidance, India’s dominance in T20I cricket became evident. Starting with a pivotal series against New Zealand in November 2021, India won 48 out of 69 matches, boasting an impressive win percentage and a win-loss ratio of 2.82. This success elevated India to the top of the ICC T20I rankings, significantly ahead of Australia, which had a win-loss ratio of 1.75. However, the semi-final loss to England in the 2022 World Cup remained a blemish on India’s otherwise stellar T20I record under Dravid’s leadership.