Rahul Dravid will continue as head coach until T20 world Cup 2024

Rahul Dravid as head coach: In a move that solidifies the future of Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the extension of contracts for the coaching staff, led by the indomitable Rahul Dravid. Ending weeks of speculation, the BCCI confirmed on Wednesday that contracts for the entire coaching team, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhmabrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, have been renewed.

The decision follows the culmination of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where Dravid's leadership guided India to an extraordinary run, winning 10 consecutive games but falling short in the final against Australia. The stellar performance at the World Cup played a pivotal role in the unanimous decision to extend the coaching staff's tenure.

"The BCCI engaged in productive discussions with 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," stated the BCCI in an official release.

While the exact duration of the extension was not disclosed, there is speculation that the contracts may cover until the upcoming T20 World Cup in June, set to be held in the West Indies and USA.

Since taking over as head coach post the T20 World Cup in 2021, Rahul Dravid has steered the Indian cricket team to commendable success in all three formats. Notable achievements include retaining the Border-Gavaskar trophy, victories against New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka at home, and winning the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in 2023.

VVS Laxman, currently serving as the interim coach for the T20I series against Australia, will continue his role as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Acknowledging Dravid's pivotal role, the BCCI release commended his exceptional professionalism and thanked VVS Laxman for his exemplary contributions. BCCI president Roger Binny and secretary Jay Shah lauded Dravid's vision and efforts, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the team to continued success.

In response, Dravid expressed gratitude to his family for their sacrifices and reiterated his commitment to the goal of bringing an ICC trophy to India. "As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence," Dravid affirmed.

BCCI president Roger Binny praised Dravid's vision, professionalism, and unyielding efforts, expressing confidence in the coach's ability to lead the team to new heights. Similarly, BCCI secretary Jay Shah reiterated his earlier statement that there is no better person than Rahul Dravid to take Indian cricket forward, applauding Dravid for his commitment to excellence and strategic guidance.