Hours after reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had offered Rahul Dravid an extension, the board has confirmed that Dravid has accepted the offer and will continue as the Indian men's cricket team's head coach. While the BCCI did not specify the duration of the extension, it will reportedly be at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup in June. (Cricket News)
Dravid had become India head coach in November 2021 for a two-year term that concluded after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on November 19, 2023. While India rose to the top of the Test, ODI and T20I rankings under Dravid as coach, they could not win any ICC trophies - finishing as semi-finalists in the 2022 T20 World Cup, and runners-up in the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
India's campaign in the ODI World Cup was fabulous - they won all nine league games and the semi-final, before losing the final to Australia.
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"The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable," Dravid said in a statement announcing his contract extension. "Together, we have witnessed the highs and lows, and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal. I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room. It's a culture that stands resilient, whether in moments of triumph or adversity."
The statement added: "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."
Dravid further stated: "I thank the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in me, endorsing my vision, and providing support during this period. 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. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence."
The first assignment for Dravid will be India's tour of South Africa, which begins with the white-ball leg from December 10. There will be three T20 internationals and three ODIs, followed by two Test matches, in Centurion (from December 26) and Cape Town (from January 3). Then there is the five-match Test series against England at home, before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in June.
