Rahul Dravid will continue as India’s head coach after accepting the BCCI’s offer to extend his term. The extension, which was not specified in terms of duration, ensures that Dravid will lead the team at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup. Dravid initially became head coach in November 2021 for a two-year term that concluded after the 2023 ODI World Cup earlier this month. Despite India’s rise to the top of the Test, ODI, and T20I rankings under his coaching, the team has not been able to secure any ICC trophies. They finished as semi-finalists in the 2022 T20 World Cup and runners-up in the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Dravid stated, “The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable, together, we have witnessed the highs and lows,” upon announcing his contract extension. “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.”
Dravid’s next assignment as head coach is India’s tour of South Africa, which kicks off with three T20Is and three ODIs from December 10. This is followed by two Tests, in Centurion (from December 26) and Cape Town (from January 3). Following this tour, India will play a five-Test series against England at home before the T20 World Cup in June.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah expressed full backing for Dravid, noting that “Team India is now a formidable unit across formats” due to his guidance. The BCCI has also extended the terms for India’s support staff, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T. Dilip.
