New Delhi
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the extension of contracts for head coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff of the senior India men’s team. Following productive discussions and the conclusion of Dravid’s initial two-year term, the BCCI unanimously agreed to further the tenure, without specifying the duration of the extension. Rahul Dravid took over as the head coach after the T20 World Cup in 2021, succeeding Ravi Shastri. The support staff comprises Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach). The contract extension comes after the conclusion of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, where India reached the final but lost to Australia. In a statement, Rahul Dravid expressed pride in the culture set within the team during his tenure, emphasizing the resilience, camaraderie, and commitment to excellence. He thanked the BCCI for their trust, acknowledging the sacrifices and support of his family. BCCI President Roger Binny lauded Dravid’s vision, professionalism, and efforts, emphasizing the team’s success under his strategic guidance. The first assignment for Dravid and the support staff in their extended tenure will be the all-format tour of South Africa, beginning on December 10. Binny reiterated his confidence in Dravid, stating that Team India, under his leadership, will continue its pursuit of excellence and set new benchmarks. The team is scheduled to play against Afghanistan and England before regrouping for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
