In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the extension of contracts for Head Coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff, including Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach). While the BCCI did not specify the duration of the extension, it will be at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.
Initially, there were speculations about Rahul Dravid’s hesitancy to accept a full-time role due to family commitments. Reports suggested that the BCCI was eager to extend Dravid and the support staff’s contracts. Still, the former India skipper was not ready to commit entirely, prioritizing his proximity to family. Rumors also circulated about VVS Laxman being a potential replacement for Dravid.
Putting an end to the speculation, Rahul Dravid has accepted the contract extension, signifying his commitment to lead Team India. The BCCI released an official statement highlighting the unanimous agreement between the parties to extend the tenure. This decision ensures stability and continued guidance under Dravid’s leadership.
Reflecting on the past two years with Team India, Rahul Dravid expressed gratitude for the highs and lows experienced together. He commended the support and camaraderie within the group, emphasizing the resilient culture instilled in the dressing room. Dravid spoke highly of the team’s skills and talent, attributing their success to following the right process.
NEWS 🚨 -BCCI announces extension of contracts for Head Coach and Support Staff, Team India (Senior Men)
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 29, 2023
More details here – https://t.co/rtLoyCIEmi #TeamIndia
In a statement, Rahul Dravid thanked the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in him and endorsing his vision. He acknowledged the demands of the coaching role, expressing deep appreciation for his family’s sacrifices and support. Dravid recognized the instrumental role played by his family behind the scenes and reiterated the team’s commitment to the pursuit of excellence.
Rahul Dravid said: “The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable. Together, we have witnessed the highs and lows, and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal. I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room. It’s a culture that stands resilient, whether in moments of triumph or adversity. The skills and talent that our team possesses are phenomenal, and what we’ve stressed is following the right process and sticking to our preparations, which has had a direct impact on the overall result.”
Rahul Dravid’s first assignment after the contract extension will be the challenging tour of South Africa. India’s previous tour to South Africa resulted in losses in both the Test and ODI series, making this upcoming tour an opportunity for redemption. Dravid will also have his eyes set on the T20 World Cup scheduled for the next year, aiming to prepare the team for another shot at glory.
Dravid further added, “I thank the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in me, endorsing my vision, and providing support during this period. The demands of this role necessitate considerable time away from home, and I deeply appreciate my family’s sacrifices and support. Their instrumental role behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence.”
