The board announced on Wednesday (November 29) that Rahul Dravid has accepted the BCCI’s offer to prolong his term as head coach of the India men’s team.
“The BCCI engaged in productive discussions with Rahul Dravid after the term of his contract ended following the recently concluded ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and unanimously agreed to further the tenure,” the board said in a statement released on Wednesday (November 29).
In November 2021, Dravid was named head coach of India for a two-year tenure that concluded with the team’s defeat to Australia in the Ahmedabad World Cup final. The BCCI has not yet disclosed the precise duration of Dravid’s new assignment, but it is anticipated that the former captain of India will stay on at least until the Men’s T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in the Caribbean and the USA in June 2024.
“The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable,” Dravid was quoted as saying. “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,” the 50-year-old added.
The ongoing five-match Twenty20 International series between Australia and Dravid’s team began four days following the 2023 World Cup final. Therefore, the forthcoming multi-format tour of South Africa, which begins on December 10, will be Dravid & Co.’s first assignment during this extended stay. The board has already prepared the travel documents for the current backroom staff before the Indian team, as previously reported by Cricbuzz, departs on December 6.
“Rahul Dravid’s vision, professionalism, and unyielding efforts have been important pillars in Team India’s success,” BCCI President Roger Binny said, welcoming Dravid’s acceptance of the BCCI offer. “As Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, you are always under immense scrutiny and I extend appreciation to him not only for embracing the challenges but for thriving in them. The performances of the Indian Team are a testament to his strategic guidance.
“I am delighted that he accepted the offer to remain the Head Coach, and it speaks of the mutual respect and shared vision between him and the BCCI. I have no doubt that under him, the team will continue its march to the pinnacle of success and set new benchmarks along the way.”
Along with Dravid, the other members of the support staff who have had their contracts extended are fielding coach T Dilip, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and batting coach Vikram Rathour.