Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announce that it is going to stick with Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian team, at least for the immediate future. As BCCI and Rahul Dravid arrive at the decision after a week of discussions.
But, BCCI has not officially specified the tenure of the new contract.
As per reports, both parties have agreed to work till the T20 World Cup in June 2024 before planning for the next ODI World Cup.
BCCI source said :
"Rahul Dravid and his support staff have been ask to focus on the T20 World Cup as of now. The priority is to win that tournament in the US and Caribbean. The long-term planning can wait. Things will be taken forward from there. Their services will be on a pro-rata business as of now till modalities are formalised,".
The BCCI said in a statement that Rahul Dravid and his support staff of Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), Vikram Rathour (batting coach) and T Dilip (fielding coach) have all given extensions to their contracts, which expire during the recent ODI World Cup.
This development comes a week prior to the Indian team’s departure for a full tour of South Africa and days after speculation rage that Rahul Dravid’s one-time Team India teammate VVS Laxman could step in as a possible replacement.
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BCCI secretary Jay Shah said :
“I had mention that there is no better person than Rahul Dravid to take over the role of head coach at the time of his appointment, and he has proven himself with his unparalleled commitment to excellence. Team India is now a formidable unit across formats, and our top ranking in all three formats directly reflects his vision, guidance, and the roadmap he charted for the team,”.
“Having won 10 consecutive games before the final, our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, and the head coach deserves appreciation for setting up the right platform.”
Rahul Dravid said in the statement :
“I thank the BCCI 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. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence.”
BCCI’s plans post the World Cup revolve largely around the eagerness of Rahul Dravid to continue.
Keeping this in mind, the BCCI consider current National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman as a back-up option as head coach in case Rahul Dravid decline to continue in the role.
VVS Laxman wasn’t sure about taking up the assignment.
BCCI had ask for his passport to process his visa for South Africa and that is when VVS Laxman express his reservations.
BCCI source said :
“Laxman said he needed to spend more time with his family. He was unsure about the relentless travel that comes with the assignment. Besides, he is very committed towards strengthening the NCA and India’s supply line of cricketers,”.
Rahul Ram Dwivedi (RRD) is a senior journalist in 2YoDoINDIA.
NOTE : Views expressed are personal.
