NEW YORK (AFP) – India captain Rohit Sharma expressed his admiration for Rahul Dravid and his disappointment at being unable to convince him to continue as coach. Sharma described Dravid as “a big role model” ahead of India’s opening match against Ireland in the T20 World Cup, taking place in New York on Wednesday.

Dravid, speaking before the match, confirmed that this tournament would mark the end of his coaching tenure. His contract expires at the end of the month, and he has decided not to seek an extension after nearly three years at the helm.

“I’ve enjoyed every bit of it, working with him,” said Sharma, who has both played alongside and been coached by Dravid. “I tried convincing him to stay, but obviously there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well.”

Sharma continued, “I’ve personally enjoyed my time with him. I’m sure the rest of the guys will say the same. It’s been great working with him.”

Despite India’s failure to secure a global trophy under Dravid’s guidance, Sharma was full of praise for the former national skipper, now 51 years old.

“Such a big role model for all of us,” Sharma remarked. “Growing up, we watched him play and we know what he’s achieved personally as a player and what he’s done for the team over the years.”

He added, “He’s shown a lot of great determination throughout his career, and that’s something that when he came here as a coach, I wanted to learn from him. It’s been very fruitful.”

Dravid took over the coaching role from Ravi Shastri after the 2021 T20 World Cup. This year’s T20 World Cup, hosted in the United States and West Indies, represents Dravid’s final opportunity to secure major international silverware for India, a feat last achieved in 2013.

During Dravid’s tenure, India reached the finals of both the World Test Championship and their home 50-over World Cup last year but fell short against Australia in both instances.