Twitter lauds Rahul Dravid for guiding the U-19 team to the World Cup

It was a resounding victory in the World Cup final where India thumped Australia by 8 wickets, the attention was on the incredible performances of the U19 boys but it was hardly complete without head coach Rahul Dravid being showered with the love and praise that he deserved for mentoring the team that followed one clinical victory after another in the tournament.

It was also typical of Dravid to be modest and clarify that the attention he got was embarrassing when the entire coaching staff deserved the credit. The team was grateful and happy to have him as their coach as expressed by the players multiple times but what was a celebration was each player acknowledging his guidance after the World Cup too.

As Ian Bishop said, “I could watch Rahul Dravid speak all day,” the coach left us wanting for more as he spoke about what went on behind the scenes and the approach they followed for the preparation of the tournament.  He said, “Coaching this team I tend to get a lot of attention, but it is really about the quality of support staff that we have had, there have been seven, eight of us who have been together for the last 14 months, the effort they put in was incredible.”

“I am proud to be a part of their (support staff) team and I see it as that. We try and do what’s best for the kids and hopefully they can put in the performances on the field and they have certainly done that in this tournament,” he said.

As you would expect, Twitter went into a frenzy not just ecstatic about India’s victory but also for Dravid getting to lay hands on a World Cup, not as a player but as the coach. The future of Indian cricket was in safe hands when he took over and today will be etched in history and we have Rahul Dravid and the entire coaching staff to praise for bringing out the best in the players.

Here are the some of the best reactions:

Rahul Dravid cracks me up. Speaks during interview about how embarrassed he is sometimes as coach of India U-19 because too much attention is put on him because of his stature rather than the players and support staff. Class act. World cricket needs more of him.

— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) February 3, 2018

For me the scene of the day is the entire bunch jumping behind Rahul Dravid while he is on air!! That’s some amount of space and freedom of expression in the young team! Kudos to Rahul for that.

— Anirudh Chaudhry (@AnirudhChaudhry) February 3, 2018

“Hopefully its not a win that defines them. Hopefully they go on to bigger and better things.” Rahul Dravid. Front foot forward, eases into that drive and the ball pings the boundary rope. #ICCU19CWC

— Jamie Alter (@jamie_alterTOI) February 3, 2018

Great work by the U-19 team to remain undefeated in the World Cup. Truly deserving winners. Your work has just begun, enjoy this moment!
A special shoutout to #RahulDravid who has continuously worked hard behind the scenes to help this team achieve its true potential. #ICCU19CWC

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) February 3, 2018

And like he was throughout his career.. #RahulDravid quietly walks behind the shadow of his victorious boys. He might not have an individual WC medal, but this one as a coach is no less.. #LEGENDFOREVER #U19WC

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 3, 2018

Congratulations India, exceptional U19 team, great coach and mentor in Rahul Dravid. Future stars in the making.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) February 3, 2018

What a humble man Rahul Dravid is – speaking about how the win should be about the players & not him & how the focus should be on the great work the players have done rather than himself #U19CWC

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) February 3, 2018

Congrats to India's talented young cricket team for winning the Under-19 World Cup. Calmness and composure of our boys embellishes their skills. Proud of captain @Shaw_Prithvi and his mates, as well as of coach Rahul Dravid and the hard-working support staff #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 3, 2018

Every time this man takes charge of something, the job done is a class apart! Thank You, Rahul Dravid! ???? #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/JHIHwUgPw5

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 3, 2018

“Hopefully its not a win that defines them. Hopefully they go on to bigger and better things.” Rahul Dravid. Front foot forward, eases into that drive and the ball pings the boundary rope. #ICCU19CWC

— Jamie Alter (@jamie_alterTOI) February 3, 2018

Rahul Dravid's boys win the U19-World Cup! @sifydotcom cartoon #U19WorldCup #RahulDravid pic.twitter.com/ED7LKlqsPS

— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) February 3, 2018

Every Indian is delighted, all credit to Rahul Dravid for committing himself to these young kids ,and a legend like him deserves to lay his hands on the WC. Only Fitting. #INDvAUS

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 3, 2018

Congratulations boys. Dominated throughout the tournament. Special shoutout to Rahul Dravid sir. Can't have a better mentor #FutureStars #Champions

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) February 3, 2018