(Cricket News)The BCCI has extended the contracts of head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team Rahul Dravid and support staff. Dravid’s two-year contract ended following the conclusion of the Cricket World Cup 2023, in which India advanced to the final but lost to Australia in the title match.
The former captain of India reportedly had several offers from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, but he chose to stay on as head coach of the men’s national team. His first assignment following the contract renewal will be a tour of South Africa.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced in a release that: “The BCCI has decided to extend the tenure of Head Coach Mr. Rahul Dravid and the Support Staff of Team India (Senior Men) after constructive talks with Mr. Dravid following the conclusion of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Like their legendary on-field partnerships, Mr. Dravid and Mr. Laxman have worked closely to drive Indian cricket forward. The Board recognizes Mr. Dravid’s crucial role in shaping the Indian Team and commends his exceptional professionalism. The Board also appreciates Mr. VVS Laxman for his exemplary roles as Head of NCA and as the stand-in Head Coach.”
“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,” said Mr. Roger Binny, the President of the Board of Cricket Cricket Club of India.
The BCCI Honorary Secretary, Mr. Jay Shah, made the following statement at the event: “I had mentioned that there is no better person than Rahul Dravid to take over the role of Head Coach at the time of his appointment, and Mr. Dravid has proven himself again with his unparalleled commitment to excellence.
Team India is now a formidable unit across formats, and our top ranking in all three formats directly reflects his vision, guidance, and the roadmap he charted for the team. Our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, and the Head Coach deserves recognition for creating the conditions that allowed the team to succeed.
“I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room. It is a culture that stands resilient, whether in moments of triumph or adversity,” Dravid said, reflecting on his renewal. “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.” “Our team has incredible talent and skills, and we have stressed following the right process and sticking to our preparations, which has had a direct impact on the overall result.”
See more: BCCI’s Efforts to Persuade Rohit Sharma to Captain India in T20I’s.