Just over a week following what could be considered the most bitter pill to swallow in his tenure, India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, has been granted job security up until the T20 World Cup taking place in the Caribbean and the United States this coming June, according to reliable sources from The Indian Express. The continuity in leadership comes after a pivotal offer from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to Ashish Nehra—an esteemed former left-arm pacer for India—to helm the coaching responsibilities, specifically in T20 cricket, was turned down. With Nehra’s polite refusal, the BCCI made the strategic choice to maintain Dravid’s role across all game formats.
Reports indicate strong backing for Dravid’s extension featuring supporting sentiments from none other than the national team captain, Rohit Sharma, and the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar. Nehra’s involvement and impact, though he declined the role, were notable given his successful stint with the IPL franchise Gujarat Titans—securing a remarkable title in their first season and a nearly victorious finals run against the Chennai Super Kings in 2023.
India’s performance under Dravid’s guidance has seen a mixture of remarkable wins and crushing losses. Despite showcasing dominance in the World Cup by achieving an unbroken streak of 10 victories, the team succumbed to Australia in the final. Dravid, faced with the end of his tenure, had expressed uncertainty about his future with the Indian team after this defeat.
Dravid’s two-year history with Team India indeed reflects an uncanny resemblance to the era of Ravi Shastri, his predecessor, in terms of results—notably the absence of an ICC trophy despite achieving considerable successes like reaching the finals of the 50-over World Cup and the World Test Championship, and a substantial campaign in last year’s T20 World Cup in Australia before being ousted by England.
The decision not only extends Dravid’s tenure but also provides continuity in the coaching staff, with batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip all receiving contract extensions. In the interim, VVS Laxman, Director of the National Cricket Academy, has stepped in as coach for the ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia. Dravid will reassume command for the forthcoming South Africa tour, which includes a series of games across various formats, starting on December 10.
In a statement reflecting on his extended commitment, Dravid shared, “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.”
BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Dravid will have the “full backing” from the Board as he continues his journey, despite the recent setback in the World Cup final. Dravid’s commitment to Indian cricket remains steadfast and the governing body’s decision to allow him to carry on in his pivotal role reflects confidence in his leadership to usher the team to potential victories in the future, culminating in the approaching T20 World Cup.