New Delhi: Despite Team India’s shock defeat or rather meek surrender before the Aussies in the ICC World Cup 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday extended the tenure of Rahul Dravid as team’s head coach.
Though, the BCCI didn’t specify Rahul’s extension of tenure as Team India’s head coach but the ‘wall of cricket’ is set to stay put till 2024 T20 World Cup, slated in June.
The BCCI in a media advisory informed that it was unanimous decision, as Dravid accepted the proposal for extension of tenure. The term of contract for Rahul Dravid & other coaches had come to an end after the Cricket World Cup 2023.
The cricketing board also extended the tenure of Team India’s other supporting staff including Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).
The BCCI apparently offered an extension to Dravid’s contract to maintain continuity in the team structure and protract its superlative run in ODI & T20 series.
For the unversed, Team India’s scintillating performance in the World Cup 2023 drew appreciation not just for Men in Blue but also for team’s coaches including Rahul Dravid. From cricketing greats to sports lovers, all hailed Rahul’s stewardship for propping up a young & dynamic team for the biggest cricketing spectacle.
Though, Team India floundered in the grand finale and losing the World Cup title to Aussies, it’s brilliant campaign throughout the series came as face-saver.
Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma & Co did come under fire and faced backlash for missing out the golden chance to win the World Cup trophy. Speculations were also rife that the ‘leading lights’ will have to pay the price for this.
How netizens erupted over Rahul’s tenure extension
With the BCCI’s announcement of extension of Rahul Dravid’s contract, the netizens have gone into a tizzy. Some are blowing hot and cold over Rahul getting a life-saver while others welcoming the move.
Meme shows Rahul’s swag
#RahulDravid to continue as head coach for #IndianCricket team, contract extended pic.twitter.com/Ei9A65RQVH
— Newspatri (@newspatri) November 29, 2023