'I Am Not Surprised': Sourav Ganguly's Honest Take On Rahul Dravid's Contract Extension

It was back after the 2021 T20 World Cup when Dravid was handed over the coaching duties when Ganguly was the BCCI president.

Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly in action.

Former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly said he was not amazed by the board’s decision to extend Rahul Dravid’s contract as India’s head coach. The Indian cricket board decided to extend Dravid’s tenure after India’s brilliant run in the recently passed ODI World Cup 2023.

It was back after the 2021 T20 World Cup when Dravid was handed over the coaching duties when Ganguly was the BCCI president. Alongside Dravid, the BCCI has also extended the contracts of other support staff members including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip.

"I'm not surprised that they have shown faith in Dravid. When I was president of the Board, we convinced him to do this job. And I'm so happy to see yesterday that his tenure has been extended," Ganguly told reporters in Kolkata.

Under Dravid’s coaching, the Men in Blue won the 2023 Asia Cup and reached the World Cup final alongside the World Test Championship finals. But then they did taste defeat against South Africa in the red ball format and also failed to create an impact in the Test series in England, losing the series by  2-1.

"It was always the case, depending on whether he wanted it or not. I wish him luck for another World Cup in June. He was very close this time. They may not have won it, but they probably were the best team in the competition with the way they played. So he's got another seven months for a World Cup in the West Indies. Hopefully, at that time, he will not be runners-up, but a champion," he said.

Since Dravid has again been given the onus, he will look to help India win the series against South Africa in their backyard.

"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," Dravid said.