The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the extension of Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.
The decision comes on the heels of intense speculation following the conclusion of Dravid’s initial two-year term that culminated with the recently concluded ODI World Cup.
Rahul Dravid, one of India’s most revered cricketing figures, assumed the mantle of head coach after the 2021 T20 World Cup, succeeding Ravi Shastri.
His impact on the team’s performance has been notable, and the decision to extend his tenure is seen as a nod to the positive influence he has exerted on the squad.
The coaching staff, crucial to the team’s success, will also witness continuity. Vikram Rathour, Paras Mhambrey, and T Dilip, who have been integral components of the coaching setup since 2021, will continue in their respective roles as batting, bowling, and fielding coaches.
Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the team’s strategy and honing the skills of individual players.
Rahul Dravid assumed the role of head coach in November 2021 for a stipulated two-year term, which reached its conclusion with the culmination of the 2023 ODI World Cup earlier this month.
While the team under Dravid’s tutelage achieved the pinnacle of Test, ODI, and T20I rankings, the quest for ICC trophies remained elusive.
Notable performances include reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup and finishing as runners-up in the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup, where India’s remarkable journey saw them win all nine league games and the semi-final before falling short in the final against Australia.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Rahul Dravid expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the BCCI and the Office Bearers. He reflected on the last two years with Team India as “thoroughly memorable,” acknowledging the support and camaraderie within the group.
Dravid highlighted the resilient culture established in the dressing room, emphasizing the importance of following the right process and sticking to preparations for achieving consistent success.
“The demands of this role necessitate considerable time away from home, and I deeply appreciate my family’s sacrifices and support,” Dravid noted, recognising the invaluable role played by his family behind the scenes.
Looking ahead, he affirmed the team’s commitment to the pursuit of excellence in the face of new challenges after the World Cup.
Dravid’s second stint as head coach started with India’s tour of South Africa, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs from December 10, followed by two Tests in Centurion (from December 26) and Cape Town (from January 3).
Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, expressed unwavering confidence in Dravid, asserting that Team India, under Dravid’s guidance, has become a formidable unit across formats.
Shah commended Dravid’s vision, guidance, and the roadmap he charted for the team. The extraordinary World Cup campaign, where India won 10 consecutive games before the final.
In a show of continuity and stability, the BCCI has also extended the terms of India’s support staff, comprising Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).
The decision reflects the board’s commitment to maintaining a cohesive and effective coaching setup as India looks forward to new challenges in the cricketing arena.
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