New Delhi: After numerous rumours and speculation about the change, the BCCI has finally given the final verdict about the Indian cricket team management.
BCCI in their update through media release on their website has decided to extend the contract of head coach Rahul Dravid and all the other coaching staff of the senior men’s team.
The tenure of the extended contract has not been announced as of yet but it is going to last, at least till the 2024 T20I World Cup.
RAHUL DRAVID WILL CONTINUE AS TEAM INDIA HEAD COACH…!!! pic.twitter.com/whC4Q4XvfG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 29, 2023
BCCI in their statement gave credit to both Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman for their exceptional role in shaping the structure of Indian cricket and has decided to extend their contracts based on these facts.
Rahul Dravid’s vision is important
The president of BCCI, Roger Binny, through the statement, said, “Mr. Rahul Dravid’s vision, professionalism, and unyielding efforts have been important pillars in Team India’s success. As Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, you are always under immense scrutiny and I extend appreciation to him not only for embracing the challenges but for thriving in them. The performances of the Indian Team are a testament to his strategic guidance. I am delighted that he accepted the offer to remain the Head Coach, and it speaks of the mutual respect and shared vision between him and the BCCI. I have no doubt that under him, the team will continue its march to the pinnacle of success and set new benchmarks along the way.”
Reporter: Why did you extended Rahul Dravid tenure?
Roger Binny: We are not going to release this setup without ICC trophy.
Message is clear, Captain Rohit Sharma and Coach Rahul Dravid are coming for #T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/xL8tIBGsYC
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) November 29, 2023
The honorary secretary of BCCI, Mr. Jay Shah said, “I had mentioned that there is no better person than Rahul Dravid to take over the role of Head Coach at the time of his appointment, and Mr. Dravid has proven himself again 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 for the team to flourish. The Head Coach has our full backing, and we will provide him with all the support needed for sustained success at the international level.”
Jay Shah said “Dravid has proven himself again with his unparalleled commitment to excellence – Our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. He deserves appreciation for setting up the right platform for the team to flourish.” pic.twitter.com/h4htTVZdRA
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 29, 2023
Proud of the culture
Rahul Dravid through the press release also gave his thoughts on his extended contract as the head coach by saying, “The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable. 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.”
“I thank the BCCI and the 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. Their instrumental role behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence,” The head coach of India added.