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Xtra Time Web Desk: Rahul Dravid, the departing head coach of the Indian cricket team, revealed that a phone call from captain Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in his decision to stay on after India's loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final. Despite that setback, Dravid continued in his role and led India to a significant triumph, securing the T20 World Cup title on June 29 with a narrow 7-run victory over South Africa in Barbados.

In his final dressing room speech, Dravid expressed special thanks to Rohit Sharma, acknowledging how the skipper's call in November last year influenced his decision to remain as the coach. Dravid's tenure ended on a high note, and his final address to the team was captured in a video where he recounted the story of Rohit's persuasive call.

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 Thank You Rohit Sharma

"I just like to say, Ro, thank you very much for making that call to me in November and asking me to continue. I think it's been such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each and every one of you and every one of you, but also to know Ro. Thanks for the time."

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The sacrifices, the commitment, the comeback ????

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— BCCI (@BCCI) July 2, 2024

"I know as a captain and a coach, there's a lot of times we have to chat. We have to discuss. We have to agree. We have to disagree at times, but thank you so very much. It's been brilliant to get to know each and every one of you as a person," said Dravid.

This was a fact that was confirmed by Suryakumar Yadav in an interaction with media, where he revealed that Dravid was ready to quit after the World Cup final loss.

Read More: T20 World Cup 2024: When and how Rohit-Virat are returning home with the trophy?

"In the end, he came and thanked Rohit and said, “Thank you, Rohit, for that phone call in November”, because he didn’t want to continue after (India’s loss in) the 50-over World Cup but Rohit and Jay sir (BCCI secretary Jay Shah) convinced him to stay," said Suryakumar Yadav.

India will finalise the new coach before the tour of Sri Lanka, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah.