In a decisive move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended the contract of Rahul Dravid as head coach of the senior men’s team, solidifying his position at the helm until at least the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year. The BCCI’s unwavering support for Dravid underscores their belief in his leadership and vision, as he continues to guide the team towards excellence across all formats.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah lauded Dravid’s stewardship, acknowledging the remarkable progress made under his guidance. “The senior men’s team’s success is a reflection of his vision, guidance, and the roadmap he put in place after taking up the role in 2021,” Shah stated. Dravid’s contract extension comes amidst widespread acclaim for his astute leadership and the team’s impressive performances under his tutelage.
The Indian team’s dominance in all three formats – Test, ODI, and T20I – stands as a testament to Dravid’s strategic acumen and the cohesive unit he has fostered. Alongside Dravid, the contracts of his esteemed support staff members – bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, batting coach Vikram Rathour, and fielding coach T Dilip – were also extended, further solidifying the team’s management structure.
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Dravid’s decision to continue as head coach follows a period of introspection after the team’s runner-up finish in the recently concluded ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The BCCI’s initiative in engaging in productive discussions with Dravid highlights their confidence in his ability to lead the team to new heights.
“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,” Jay Shah remarked.
Emphasizing the team’s remarkable journey under Dravid, Jay Shah added, “Having won 10 consecutive games before the final, our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, and the Head Coach deserves appreciation for setting up the right platform for the team to flourish.”
Despite facing initial criticism following setbacks in the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup last year, Dravid has demonstrated unwavering resilience and unwavering commitment to his vision. His partnership with captain Rohit Sharma has yielded exceptional results, culminating in India’s triumph in the 50-over Asia Cup tournament earlier this year.
NEWS 🚨 -BCCI announces extension of contracts for Head Coach and Support Staff, Team India (Senior Men)
More details here – https://t.co/rtLoyCIEmi #TeamIndia
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 29, 2023
With the T20 World Cup looming on the horizon, the BCCI’s decision to retain Dravid ensures continuity and stability within the team, allowing the established processes and strategies to continue bearing fruit.
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Echoing Shah’s sentiments, BCCI president Roger Binny expressed his delight at Dravid’s contract extension. “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,” Roger Binny stated.
Dravid’s willingness to extend his contract underscores the mutual respect and shared vision that exists between him and the BCCI. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire and guide the team towards success make him an indispensable asset to Indian cricket.
