Rahul Dravid is India’s greatest cricketer, most admired for his serenity, unparalleled technique, and unselfish devotion to Indian cricket. Yet, year after year, there came a peculiar trend in which India lost nearly every major game that served as his farewell across different positions — playing, captaincy, and even World Cup participation. This trend was most commonly attributed by spectators and the media as the “Last Match Curse.”
But in June 2024, Indian cricket finally overcame the jinx most immaculately — India won the T20 World Cup under the coaching of Dravid, beating South Africa in a nail-biting final. Here is a closer look at this tale of heartbreak and ultimate redemption.
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The Series of Final Match Losses
Despite Rahul Dravid’s brilliance, his final appearances in various roles mostly ended in defeats for India, creating an unfortunate pattern:
- Last Test Match (2012 vs Australia): India lost by 298 runs, with Dravid scoring 1 and 25.
- Last ODI Match (2011 vs England): India lost by 6 wickets, though Dravid contributed a solid 69 runs.
- Last T20I Match (Only T20, 2011 vs England): India lost by 6 wickets; Dravid scored a quickfire 31 runs, including three sixes.
- Last Match as Captain (2007 vs England): India lost the Test by 60 runs.
- Last World Cup Match (2007 vs Sri Lanka): India lost by 69 runs.
Redemption in 2024: India’s T20 World Cup Victory
After a coaching stint full of ups and downs, Rahul Dravid’s final match as India’s head coach turned out to be a dream ending. In the T20 World Cup 2024 final, India beat South Africa by 7 runs in a nail-biting match. It was India’s first ICC trophy in over a decade, and the emotional victory gave Dravid the farewell he truly deserved.
From guiding young guns such as Yashaswi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to handling veteran stars like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, Dravid molded an even-keel, fearless team. His soothing demeanor in the dressing room and strategic acumen enabled India to hoist the trophy and end the so-called curse once and for all.
A Befitting Conclusion to a Glorious Odyssey
With this historic victory, Rahul Dravid retired as coach on a high note, ending the long-standing record of “last match losses.” It was not a personal moment of vindication — it was a present to Indian cricket lovers who had waited for years for a world title. The victory of the 2024 T20 World Cup will always stand remembered as the game when Dravid’s legacy was not sealed in silence, but in celebration.
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