Rahul Dravid recalls how Travis Head was close to getting out on multiple occasions in ODI World Cup 2023 final

Rahul Dravid recalls Travis Head nearly getting out multiple times in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, highlighting luck and precision.

Rahul Dravid recalls how Travis Head was close to getting out on multiple occasions in ODI World Cup 2023 final

Travis Head, Rahul Dravid (Via X)

Travis Head scored a sensational hundred in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against India in Ahmedabad and broke India’s dream of winning the ODI World Cup on home soil. However, former head coach of Team India, Rahul Dravid, recounted how Head was jittery at the start of the innings.

Dravid reflected on a game where his team consistently beat Head’s bat without him hitting the ball. He noted that while luck can play a part, sticking to the right process and doing things correctly is crucial.

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I remember whatever it was, we beat Travis Head’s bat 15 times — he didn’t touch a single ball. You know, things can go your way sometimes, but you have to stick to the process. I’ve had time to reflect on it. I’ve had time to reflect on a lot of things we’ve done. You do realize, sometimes, you have to do a lot of these things, you have to do the process, you have to do everything right.
Rahul Dravid said at the CEAT cricket awards event

Dravid acknowledged that success in cricket often requires a combination of factors, including luck and skill. He emphasized that while skill is essential, sometimes luck plays a critical role. Specifically, he pointed out that having a player who can maintain precise positioning, such as keeping their foot within a very small margin (one inch) of a line, can make a significant difference in crucial moments. 

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Travis Head had lots of hit and miss at the start of the innings

India fast bowlers were brilliant throughout the whole ODI World Cup, picking up wickets with the new ball and putting the opposition on the back foot. They had a near perfect World Cup till the final, winning all the matches comfortably and dominantly. Defending a low score of 241, the Indian fast bowlers started on a very good note.

Rahul Dravid recalls how Travis Head was close to getting out on multiple occasions in the ODI World Cup 2023 final
Travis Head (Via X)

They had Australia down to 41-3. Head was close to nicking almost 15 deliveries at the start of the innings with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami consistently beating his bat’s outside and inside edge. However, luck was not on the side of the Indian bowlers on that day as Head survived that onslaught and went on to score a blazing century to end India’s hopes in Ahmedabad.

It was a very dissapointing moment for the Men in blue and their fans who had been hopeful of their sides triumph in the event. However, 6 months later, the Indian team under Rohit Sharma went on to win the T20 World Cup 2024.

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