Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has credited India’s recent ICC successes to the strong foundation laid during Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards on Tuesday, Rohit highlighted how India’s triumph in the 2025 Champions Trophy was a result of years of consistent work, discipline, and belief values established under the leadership of the former captain-coach duo, Rohit and Dravid.
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Rohit Sharma Credits Rahul Dravid’s Legacy for India’s Champions Trophy Win
E2bet With Dravid’s guidance and Rohit’s tactical brilliance, Team India bounced back strongly after the heartbreak of losing the 2023 ODI World Cup final at home to Australia. The Men in Blue went on to win back-to-back ICC tournaments the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy proving that the processes put in place under Dravid’s coaching tenure have paid rich dividends.
“Look, I love that team. I loved playing with them, and it’s been a journey we’ve all shared for many years. It’s not about just one or two years of work — it’s the result of long-term commitment and hard work,” Rohit said during the awards ceremony.
Rohit admitted that India had come close to winning multiple ICC trophies in recent years but couldn’t “get over the line.” That, he said, prompted the team to introspect and make meaningful changes.
“We had to do something different. There’s always a thought of doing things differently, but it only works when the entire team believes in it. It can’t be done by one or two players — everyone has to buy into that idea,” Rohit explained.
Building a Winning Mindset
The Champions Trophy-winning captain revealed how India’s success stemmed from a unified mindset and an unwavering focus on process over outcome. Every player in the squad, he said, was deeply invested in the team’s collective goals.
“All the guys who took part in that competition (Champions Trophy) adopted the mindset of how to win games, how to challenge ourselves, and not take anything for granted. That’s what defined our campaign,” Rohit said.
He further emphasized that the team prioritized consistency and mental toughness throughout the tournament. “Once we won the first game, we put that result aside immediately and focused on the next challenge. That approach helped us a lot — we played freely but with purpose,” Rohit added.
This process-oriented approach, Rohit revealed, was carried forward from the 2024 T20 World Cup campaign both planned under Dravid’s mentorship. “That mindset helped me and Rahul bhai plan for the T20 World Cup and later for the Champions Trophy. Even though we didn’t win in 2023, we had already laid the groundwork as a team. Everyone knew their roles, and that clarity brought success,” he noted.
Gambhir’s Role and the Continuity of Success
While former India opener Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach during the 2025 Champions Trophy, Rohit was quick to acknowledge that Dravid’s philosophy remained central to India’s continued success. The systems, mindset, and team culture established earlier remained intact ensuring a seamless transition between coaches.
Pride in All Formats
Rohit also expressed immense pride in performing across all three formats of the game. “I’ve always taken pride in trying to excel in all formats whenever I get the opportunity. That mindset rubbed off on a few others as well, which eventually strengthened the team,” he said.
With Shubman Gill now appointed as India’s new Test and ODI captain, Rohit remains part of the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia, starting October 19.
Looking Ahead to the Australia Tour
Discussing the upcoming tour, Rohit described Australia as one of the most challenging places to play cricket. “I love playing against them. The people there love the game, and the conditions test every aspect of your skill. Having toured there many times, I know what to expect. Hopefully, we can go there and achieve the result the Indian team deserves,” he said confidently.
Rohit’s remarks capture the spirit of a leader who values both process and people acknowledging the importance of long-term planning, unity, and adaptability. As India prepares for another high-profile tour, the legacy of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid’s partnership continues to define the team’s journey toward excellence on the global stage.
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