India’s coach Rahul Dravid seems on throughout a apply session on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 17, 2023, forward of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup one-day worldwide (ODI) ultimate match in opposition to Australia on November 19.
| Photo Credit: AFP
The BCCI on November 29 prolonged the contract of Indian cricket group head coach Rahul Dravid so as to keep continuity following the senior aspect’s stupendous efficiency within the ODI World Cup the place it received 10 video games in a row earlier than shedding the ultimate.
However, there was no point out of how lengthy his new tenure could be within the press launch issued by the BCCI.
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India announces the extension of contracts for head coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff of Team India (senior men),” the game’s apex physique mentioned in an announcement.
“The BCCI engaged in productive discussions with Dravid after the term of his contract ended following the recently-concluded World Cup and unanimously agreed to further the tenure,” it added.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah mentioned that Dravid may have the “full backing” of the board, shifting ahead in his endeavour to win the ICC Trophy, which is lacking from the cupboard for the final decade.
“Having won 10 consecutive games before the final, our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, and the head coach (Dravid) deserves appreciation for setting up the right platform for the team to flourish.
“The head coach has our full backing, and we’ll present him with all of the assist wanted for sustained success on the worldwide degree,” the BCCI secretary said in a statement.
“The final two years with Team India have been completely memorable. Together, we now have witnessed the highs and lows, and all through this journey, the assist and camaraderie inside the group have been phenomenal,” Dravid said.
The PTI had on November 28 reported that Dravid’s contract would be renewed with the BCCI looking for continuity in the set-up helmed by the legendary cricketer over the last two years.
Dravid had replaced Ravi Shastri after the T20 World Cup in 2021, getting appointed for a two-year term which ended with the ODI World Cup.
Under Dravid, India also finished as runners-up in the last World Test Championship, losing to Australia in the final.
Along with the 50-year-old Dravid, his support staff comprising batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach T. Dilip have also got an extension.
It is expected that his stint would be at least till the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA in June-July next year.
The PTI had reported that Dravid had been offered an extension and asked to helm the affairs in South Africa as they work on the modalities.
While V.V.S. Laxman, the NCA head, who has often filled in for Dravid when the latter was taking short breaks, is believed to have informed the brass that he is more comfortable working with pathways teams such as India A and India U-19, apart from being actively involved in cricketing matters with regards to the new NCA set-up in Bengaluru.
“The Board additionally appreciates V.VS. Laxman for his exemplary roles as Head of NCA and because the stand-in Head Coach. Similar to their legendary on-field partnerships, Dravid and Laxman have labored carefully in driving Indian Cricket ahead,” the BCCI’s release makes it clear that both for the time being will continue in their respective roles.
BCCI president Roger Binny, who has been a bridge between the board and the head coach, also welcomed the decision.
“The performances of the Indian Team are a testomony to his strategic steerage. I’m delighted that he accepted the provide to stay the pinnacle coach, and it speaks of the mutual respect and shared imaginative and prescient between him and the BCCI.” Dravid said that he will remain committed to the pursuit of excellence in this post-World Cup phase.
“The calls for of this position necessitate appreciable time away from house, and I deeply respect my household’s sacrifices and assist. Their instrumental position behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges put up the World Cup, we stay dedicated to the pursuit of excellence,” he said.
It must be mentioned that Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra never had any intentions of being the head coach of the national team as he has always said that he “desires to honour his contract with GT until 2025”.
Nehra has a younger household and he would not wish to reside out of suitcase for the time being and being the India coach includes in depth travelling. Two and half months of IPL teaching is all he’s proper now.
However, in future when the time is true, he may think about being a white-ball coach of nationwide group.
Source: www.thehindu.com
