BCCI Extends Contracts Of Rahul Dravid And Support Staff Ahead Of South Africa Tour

The BCCI, on Wednesday (November 29), announced the extension of contracts for Head Coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff – Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach) and T Dilip (fielding coach).

The two-year contracts of the head coach and the other members of the support staff expired after the conclusion of the ICC World Cup 2023 earlier this month. Reports suggested that while the BCCI was keen to extend Rahul Dravid and his support staff’s contract, the former India skipper was not ready to accept a full-time role in order to stay close to his family.

Reports also suggested that former India batsman VVS Laxman was in line to replace Rahul Dravid. Laxman is currently plying his trade as India’s stand-in coach for the ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia. However, Rahul Dravid has accepted the contract extension from the BCCI. In a statement, the board stated that the parties unanimously agreed to further the tenure.

Rahul Dravid ready to embrace new challenges:

Rahul Dravid thanked the BCCI for the support and also made sure to appreciate his family’s sacrifice and support. The legendary cricketer said that he is ready to embrace the new challenges after the heartbreak in the World Cup where India lost the final.

 “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,” said Rahul Dravid.

“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,” he added.

Rahul Dravid’s first assignment after the contract extension will be the tour of South Africa. The last time India toured South Africa, they lost the Test and the ODI series and will be keen to make amends. He will also have his eyes set on the next year’s T20 World Cup.