'Focus On Now': Rahul Dravid's Philosophy Ahead Of T20 World Cup Match

Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, expressed surprise during a pre-match press conference ahead of India's first Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Afghanistan. A reporter brought up a 27-year-old incident that seemed to catch Dravid off guard.

In the 1997 match, India, led by Sachin Tendulkar, was chasing 121 but was bowled out for 81 in the second innings, losing by 38 runs. Dravid had scored 78 in the first innings and two in the second. "Geez, thanks a lot buddy! There are also some decent memories in life," Dravid responded when reminded of the incident.

The journalist persisted, reframing his question to ask if Dravid saw this as an opportunity to create better memories. "God man! I am not trying to make new anything man!" Dravid laughed off the question but then elaborated on his philosophy of not dwelling on the past.

Dravid explained that he no longer thinks like a player and focuses on planning for his team and helping them win matches. "I move on from things very quickly. That's one of my things. I don't look back on things. I try and look at what I am doing now, at the moment. I am not concerned about what happened in '97 or some other year," he said.

He added that winning the upcoming match would not change the past results. "By winning this... you know. If you had told me that by winning this, we would have not scored 80-odd and scored 121 (in the 1997 match), then I would be bothered. But, even if we win this match tomorrow, unfortunately, that is still going to remain 80 on the scorecard, however much I try and will it."

Dravid emphasized his focus on the present and future rather than seeking retribution for past events. "I don't think of myself much as a player anymore. Yeah, just move on. Focus on tomorrow, and try and get a good result tomorrow," he concluded.

The India vs Afghanistan match is scheduled to be played at Kingston Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados from 8:00 PM IST on Thursday, June 20. This match is significant as it marks one of the final games under Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure, which will conclude after India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.