Rahul Dravid, the head coach
Indian head coach Rahul Dravid received an extension to the completion of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States in June, ten days after what was likely the biggest setback of his career. After former left-arm bowler Ashish Nehra declined the BCCI’s offer to take on the role of coach in the shortest format, the Board opted to keep Dravid on board for all forms.
The decision approved by Rohit Sharma
It has been gathered that Dravid’s extension as head coach until the T20 World Cup was approved by skipper Rohit Sharma and senior selector Ajit Agarkar. Nehra was a member of the Gujarat Titans’ coaching staff. The team won the championship in their first season of play the previous year, but they fell to Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling final in 2023.
While his term as India’s coach was coming to an end, Dravid had stated he hadn’t given his future as the team’s coach any thought after his country lost to Australia in the 50-over World Cup final, despite winning ten straight matches in a dominant manner.
Team India under Rahul Dravid as head coach
In the course of the two years, India advanced to the World Test Championship and 50-over World Cup finals, but they were destroyed by eventual winners England in the T20 World Cup quarterfinals in Australia last year. Regarding that, Dravid’s track record is comparable to that of Ravi Shastri, his predecessor, who was also unable to win an ICC championship during his tenure.
In addition to Dravid, the contracts of the other coaching staff members have also been extended: fielding coach T Dilip, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and batting coach Vikram Rathour.
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Dravid had full backing of BCCI
For the current five-match Twenty20 International series against Australia, VVS Laxman, Director of the National Cricket Academy, is serving in the role of coach. Beginning on December 10 and continuing with two Test matches in Centurion and Cape Town, Dravid will be back in charge of the forthcoming tour of South Africa, which consists of three Twenty20 Internationals and an equal number of One-Day Internationals.
“The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable,” Dravid said in a statement that announced his contract extension.
“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.”
Despite the team’s defeat in the World Cup final, Dravid would have the “full backing” of the Board, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
