T20 World Cup 2024 | "You guys are a great inspiration", says Dravid to Canadian players

Rahul Dravid (Pic: File Pic)

Team India's head coach Rahul Dravid heaped praises on the Canadian team after their final game of the T20 World Cup 2024 was washed out in Florida due to a wet outfield.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 matches, as India gears up to play against Afghanistan in Barbados, the Board of Control for Cricket in India shared a video of Dravid interacting with the Canadian players and staff members in the dressing room.

On Saturday, Dravid received a signed jersey from Canada coach Pubudu Dassanayake. The Indian head coach commended the Canadian team for their efforts in the tournament and for emerging as an inspiration to young players.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan captain Babar Azam opens up losses against India, USA

"Guys, just thanks a lot. Personally, just want to acknowledge and appreciate the fantastic contributions that you guys have made to this tournament. You guys honestly are a great inspiration to all of us, to show us that we love the game truly. The kind of sacrifices you guys are willing to make to play this tournament, to qualify, to come here, to make this tournament what it is. Congratulations. Well done to all of you," Dravid said in a video posted by BCCI on X.

"All I will say is that you know, keep taking it forward. You guys are inspiring. Not only other people, but I'm sure you're inspiring young boys and girls in your own countries to be able to play the sport. So, the results honestly do not matter. The fact that you're being an inspiration, I think, is great for the world," he added.

Team India arrived in Barbados for their upcoming clash against Afghanistan. Later, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed his desire to enjoy the fineness of the venue.

"We are in Barbados, looking forward to going to the beach, having some really good sun and at the same point of time beautiful clear blue water. There is no better place to play such a wonderful tournament at the same point of time with wonderful people," Hardik said.

India T20 World Cup 2024 squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.

(With ANI Inputs)