Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said that he was not surprised by the faith the cricket board has shown in Rahul Dravid by extending his contract as Team India’s head coach. The BCCI has decided to extend his contract after India’s impressive show in ODI World Cup however, the exact duration of his second term is not yet known.
Dravid became the head coach of Indian team after 2021 T20 World Cup under Ganguly’s tenure as BCCI president. Ganguly said he was happy to see his former teammate’s contract getting extended.
“I’m not surprised that they have shown faith in Dravid. When I was president of the Board, we convinced him to do this job. And I’m so happy to see yesterday that his tenure has been extended. “It was always the case, depending on whether he wanted it or not. I wish him luck for another World Cup in June. He was very close this time.
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“They may not have won it, but they probably were the best team in the competition with the way they played. So he’s got another seven months for a World Cup in the West Indies. Hopefully, at that time, he will not be runners-up, but a champion,” he said. Asked about India’s title drought at an ICC global showpiece, Sourav Ganguly said: “Hopefully they will cross the bridge one day.”
“As a captain, I’ve qualified for three finals, and lost twice — 2003 World Cup and 2001 Champions Trophy. So I don’t have the right to say how to win finals. I managed just one win that too as joint winners with Sri Lanka (2002 Champions Trophy),” he said.
Sourav Ganguly added, “At least, they are making the final and by dominating the tournament. Hopefully they will cross the bridge one day, their luck will change. There is no rocket science. At Australia 47/3, India had a great chance, one wicket and it would have been different. But it’s past now.”
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Test specialist batters — Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane — were not included for the two Tests against South Africa.
“At some point of time you have to play new talents. It happens, there is enormous talent in India and the team has to progress. Pujara and Rahane had enormous success for India, sport doesn’t remain with you forever,” Ganguly said. “You cannot be there forever, it will happen to everyone. I must thank them what they have done for Indian cricket and selectors want fresh faces, so that’s the way it is,” he added.
