Rahul Dravid’s Contract As Head Coach Extended
NEW DELHI, (IANS) – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that it had extended the contracts of head coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff of the senior India men’s team.
In its statement, the BCCI said it engaged in productive discussions with Rahul Dravid after the term of his contract ended following the recently concluded 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and unanimously agreed to further the tenure, though it didn’t mention the duration of the extension.
Dravid had replaced Ravi Shastri as the India senior men’s head coach after the T20 World Cup in 2021 for a two-year term, along with support staff comprising Vikram Rathour (batting coach after the 2019 ODI World Cup), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).
“I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room,” Dravid said, “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.”
He acknowledged his family saying, “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.”
The contract of Dravid and the support staff had come to an end following India’s defeat to Australia in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, with speculations over their future with the team now coming to an end as the BCCI opts for continuity in coaching of senior men’s team.
“Mr. Rahul Dravid’s vision, professionalism, and unyielding efforts have been important pillars in Team India’s success. 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,” said BCCI President Roger Binny.
