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Xtra Time Web Desk: In an exclusive interview, former India cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid has opened up about his unforgettable celebration following India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory. Dravid, known for his composed demeanor, was seen exuberantly celebrating India's seven-run win over South Africa in the final held at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 29. This win marked a significant milestone as India ended an 11-year ICC Trophy drought and secured their second T20 World Cup title.

Dravid's celebration was a notable departure from his usually reserved nature. In the aftermath of the victory, he was seen roaring with joy, engaging in intense fist pumps, and celebrating with the trophy in a manner reminiscent of a child.

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This display of unrestrained happiness moved many fans to tears, reflecting the deep emotional connection Dravid had with the team's success.

In his conversation with Star Sports, Dravid explained that his celebration was an unplanned outpouring of emotion. "You don't plan these things," he admitted. "In most times, I try to keep my emotions in check as a coach, and you are expected to do that. But at that time, I felt really happy for the team. I felt happy for the boys. I felt happy for the support staff. So many people who had worked really hard along with me."

Dravid also reflected on India's recent near-misses in ICC tournaments, acknowledging the team's struggles to clinch titles despite reaching finals. "I had been with the team for 2.5-3 years, and we had come close a few times, whether it be the semifinals of the last T20 World Cup in Australia, the World Test Championship final, or the 50-over World Cup final in India," he said. "We were just not able to cross the line in those critical moments. In those situations, you need a little bit of luck, a little bit of destiny to work your way, and that day it was with us."

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The T20 World Cup win was particularly poignant for Dravid, as it provided him with redemption on the very soil where he had faced one of the lowest points of his career.

Under his captaincy, India was knocked out in the first stage of the 2007 ODI World Cup, an event that cast a shadow over his otherwise illustrious career. At 51, Dravid’s coaching tenure concluded with the T20 World Cup victory, marking a fitting end to his career and fulfilling a long-awaited dream of winning an ICC Trophy.