The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made an announcement on Wednesday regarding the extension of contracts for Head Coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff of Team India. This news follows speculations about Dravid's potential departure as the Team India head coach after their loss to Australia in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. Post the expiration of his contract, discussions were initiated between the board and Dravid to extend his tenure, as highlighted by the BCCI. Dravid was acknowledged for his pivotal role in shaping the team, praised for his exceptional professionalism by the board.
In addition, BCCI recognized VVS Laxman for his contributions as the head of the National Cricket Academy and the stand-in coach. The board emphasised the close collaboration between Dravid and Laxman, akin to their legendary on-field partnerships, in propelling Indian Cricket forward.
Dravid expressed gratitude, reflecting on the past two years and the team's journey through highs and lows. He commended the team's camaraderie and emphasised a resilient culture established in the dressing room. Dravid attributed the team's success to their exceptional skills and dedication to the right processes, acknowledging the support from BCCI and office bearers while recognizing the demanding nature of the role that requires substantial time away from home.
‘I Am Genuinely Proud Of The Culture’
“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," stated Dravid.
BCCI President Roger Binny highlighted Dravid's ability to thrive under intense scrutiny and praised his strategic guidance, expressing delight in Dravid's acceptance to continue as the Head Coach. Jay Shah, BCCI Honorary Secretary, echoed the sentiment, lauding Dravid's commitment to excellence and attributing Team India's success across formats to Dravid's strategic roadmap.
Overall, the extensions in contracts underscore the mutual respect and shared vision between Dravid, the coaching staff, and the BCCI, aiming to propel Team India to greater heights of success under Dravid's leadership.