BCCI announces contract extension of India coaching staff

ICC, Nov 29 - The BCCI on Wednesday, November 29 announced the extension of Rahul Dravid as India Head Coach, along with the team's support coaching staff.

Dravid's tenure had originally ended at the conclusion of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 but BCCI has now unanimously agreed to further the tenure.

During Dravid's first reign, India managed to mount the MRF Tyres ICC Men's Team Rankings, standing first in all formats. However, they fell short of lifting any major ICC trophy on three occasions. In his second tenure, Dravid will look to change that.

India reached the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup back in 2022, the final of the World Test Championship earlier in June, and finished as runner's up in the Men's Cricket World Cup recently after going unscathed in the league stage. 

On his extension, Rahul Dravid said: "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."

Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, Jay Shah, said that there is no one else better equipped to carry the India head coach mantle than Dravid.

“I had mentioned that there is no better person than Rahul Dravid to take over the role of Head Coach at the time of his appointment, and Mr. Dravid has proven himself again with his unparalleled commitment to excellence," said Jay Shah.

"Team India is now a formidable unit across formats, and our top ranking in all three formats directly reflects his vision, guidance, and the roadmap he charted for the team."

"Having won 10 consecutive games before the final, our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, and the Head Coach deserves appreciation for setting up the right platform for the team to flourish. The Head Coach has our full backing, and we will provide him with all the support needed for sustained success at the international level.”

The support staff comprising Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach) also received an extension. 

The duration of the extension is not yet known. The next major assignment for Dravid and staff is the tour of South Africa where India will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests as a part of the World Test Championship 2025 cycle. A major ICC tournament Dravid will have his eyes on will be the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in June.