Rahul Dravid. (Source – Getty Images)
As thrilled as cricket enthusiasts worldwide were when the news broke out about cricket being a part of the 2028 Summer Olympics being held in Los Angeles, former India cricketer and T20 World Cup-winning ex-coach, Rahul Dravid, conveyed an equally exuberant sentiment.
In a recent discussion, Dravid expressed a sense of anticipation and excitement about cricket becoming a part of the next Olympics, citing its profound significance and immense global following. He mentioned that it was fantastic for him, now merely a fan of the game (referring to his lack of active involvement as a coach, mentor, or consultant since his recent departure from the Indian dressing room), and described the inclusion as “truly phenomenal.”
“It always felt like cricket should be a part of this [Olympics]. It is truly a great game. It is followed by so many people around the world. It is fantastic for someone like me who is now only a fan. It is truly phenomenal,” stated Dravid at India House – Celebrating India at the Paris Olympics 2024, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
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Dravid also reflected on his childhood and early years, recalling one of his earliest memories – watching American track and field athlete, Carl Lewis, triumph at the marquee event as television was becoming prevalent in India. He recounted how everyone would be fixated on their television sets, captivated by exceptional athletes. He remarked that it was anyone’s dream to be part of an event of such magnitude. Dravid compared cricket events to the Olympics, noting that the energy and atmosphere in the latter are unparalleled, even though cricket events, no matter how grand, remained individual spectacles at the end of the day.
“If you love sport as I have, you grow up with the Olympics. My earliest memories are of Carl Lewis winning at the Olympics and television coming to India. We used to be glued to the television sets to watch these great athletes perform and play. You always wanted to be a part of a great event. You have great events in cricket but they are individual events. To be in this kind of environment, energy, and vibe is a dream come true for any sportsman,” mentioned Dravid.
There is a huge passion for the game in the USA: Dravid
Dravid, who recently coached India to their second T20 World Cup victory, which was co-hosted by the USA, also reflected on the burgeoning passion for the game in one of cricket’s newest frontiers. He spoke about the vast audience waiting to be captivated and enthralled by cricket. Drawing from his experience, he remarked on the immense fervour among people in the USA for the sport and was thrilled with the prospect of the game growing in the USA.
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“We know there is an incredible audience for cricket in the USA. We know that just from the number of people who travel from USA to other World Cup events. There is a huge passion for the game in the USA. Just growing the game and having more people play the game was phenomenal,” added Dravid.
Cricket was among the five disciplines officially included in the Los Angeles edition of the Olympics and will be contested in the T20I format. The competition will feature six teams each in both the men’s and women’s categories.