In a massive development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to renew the contract of head coach Rahul Dravid.
As Dravid's contract expired after the ODI World Cup 2023, it was being speculated that he will no longer continue as the India head coach with the loss in the final versus Australia possibly ending his stint.
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It was also being reported that at least two IPL franchises have approached Dravid to join them as the team mentor or head coach.
However, the BCCI brought an end to all the speculations on Wednesday, confirming that Dravid will remain the head honcho of the side.
The other support staff members have also been kept at their positions.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announces the extension of contracts for Head Coach Mr. Rahul Dravid and the Support Staff of Team India (Senior Men)," the BCCI released a statement.
What did Rahul Dravid say on his contract extension?
Dravid seems determined than ever to take the team forward post the World Cup 2023 final debacle. He touched up on the culture that he has built within the team under his coaching.
Notably, it was a unanimous decision by the BCCI to extend Dravid's tenure.
"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. 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 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.
“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."
Who are the support staff for Men in Blue?
Alongside Dravid, the other support staff members have retained their positions. Paras Mhambrey remains the bowling coach. Vikram Rathour is the batting coach, while T Dilip will continue as the fielding coach.
Mhambrey has played a great hand in shaping the Indian fast bowlers in a way they performed in the 2023 World Cup.
Rathour too has developed the Indian batting unit ever since he turned up for the role of the batting coach in 2019. As for Dilip, he as well has been a great asset, strengthen India's fielding.
Rahul Dravid - Head coach
Paras Mhambrey - Bowling coach
Vikram Rathour - Batting coach
T Dilip - Fielding coach
Dravid and Indian coaching staff to continue till June 2024
According to Cricbuzz, the length of the new contract for India's coaching staff is another 7 months; that is, until June 2024. The T20 World Cup is set to run from 3 June to 30 June, and their performance will be reviewed after the global event.
'I haven't signed anything yet' - Rahul Dravid
Despite confirmation of his contract extension as Team India coach from the BCCI, Dravid has not put pen to paper on a new deal. While he did not refute claims that an agreement had been reached, the coach said that he had not 'signed anything yet', but would do so when he got the papers, when quizzed by reporters.
I haven't yet signed a contract with the BCCI but had discussions on tenure. Once I get the papers, I will sign: Head coach Rahul Dravid after World Cup and contract review meeting pic.twitter.com/L35WTH55Gj
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 30, 2023
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