Rahul Dravid accepts BCCI’s offer to remain India’s head coach

Legendary Indian batter Rahul Dravid accepted the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) offer to extend his contract as the team's head coach for an unspecified time period. 

Dravid’s new assignment will be a long tour to South Africa where the Blues are scheduled to play three T20Is and as many ODIs, followed by two Tests.

Dravid’s two-year contract ended following the recently-held ICC World Cup 2023 where India suffered a painful defeat against Australia. The former batter had decided not to renew his contract, as per The Times of India.

However, after some progressive talks with the former batter, the two sides came to a conclusion. Dravid’s contract duration hasn’t been announced but he is expected to remain India’s coach till at least T20 World Cup 2024.

“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 engaged in productive discussions with Mr Rahul Dravid after the term of his contract ended following the recently concluded ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and unanimously agreed to further the tenure,” BCCI said in a press release.

“The Board acknowledges Mr Dravid's instrumental role in moulding the Indian Team and commends his exceptional professionalism. The Board also appreciates Mr VVS Laxman for his exemplary roles as Head of NCA and as the stand-in Head Coach. Similar to their legendary on-field partnerships, Mr Dravid and Mr Laxman have worked closely in driving Indian Cricket forward.”

Dravid was appointed as the head coach in November 2021 and in his short two-year stint, India played in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022, which they lost to eventual champions England. They also played the final of the World Test Championship and World Cup in 2023, losing both to Australia.

"The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable," Dravid said in a statement announcing the extension of his contract. "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."

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