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Xtra Time Web Desk: India head coach Rahul Dravid has assured fans that the team will not be weighed down by their heartbreaking loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. Dravid emphasized that the team is focused on the present and will not carry any past baggage into the crucial match.

India and South Africa are set to clash in the T20 World Cup final on Saturday, June 29, at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. This marks India's third consecutive appearance in the final of an ICC event, having reached the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup finals in 2023.

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Reflecting on the ODI World Cup loss to Australia at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, Dravid acknowledged that while the team was well-prepared, Australia outperformed them on the day. Addressing concerns about the team’s poor track record in knockout stages, he reassured that the players do not dwell on past results. "I thought we were very well prepared in that final as well. On the day, the other team played better and that's part of the sport," said Dravid. "Players are very good at moving on from things. Every day is a fresh day."

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Dravid's comments come as India aims to end a decade-long ICC trophy drought, with their last win being the Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, India has reached the knockout stages in nine out of ten tournaments but has fallen short of clinching a title. South Africa, on the other hand, is making their first appearance in a World Cup final since their sole ICC trophy win in 1998.

The upcoming final is crucial for both teams, as each seeks to break their ICC trophy drought. With high stakes and fresh determination, fans can expect an exhilarating showdown between India and South Africa.