BCCI offers to extend Rahul Dravid's stint as India coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly proposed extending Head Coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure, as per ESPNCricinfo. Dravid was approached by the BCCI last week, but he hasn’t made a decision yet regarding his continuation as the Indian team's coach.

Key Points

• Rahul Dravid assumed the role of Head Coach in 2021 after India's early exit from the T20I World Cup.
• At that time, Ravi Shastri served as Head Coach, and Virat Kohli was the captain of the white-ball format.
• Dravid had signed a two-year contract with the BCCI, scheduled to conclude after the ODI World Cup final.
• However, Dravid has been uncertain about extending his contract with the Indian team, raising speculation that former cricketer VVS Laxman might replace him.
• The BCCI aims for Dravid to remain as Head Coach temporarily to maintain the structure he established, as a new coach could disrupt it.

Dravid's decision

• During the World Cup, Dravid mentioned to ESPNCricinfo that he was solely focused on the ongoing campaign and hadn't contemplated the future.
• After the World Cup final, Dravid expressed pride in the team's attainment of the number one spot in all three formats but expressed disappointment in not securing an ICC trophy.
• Under Dravid's guidance, India achieved the top position in all three formats, but the team also faced losses in major tournaments like the WTC Championship final in 2021, T20I World Cup semi-final against England in 2022, and ODI World Cup final against Australia.
• Dravid has the final say in deciding whether to continue coaching the Indian team.
• Should Dravid choose to stay, he will retain the same staff appointed in 2021: Vikram Rathour (batting Coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling Coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).
• However, former cricketers like Aakash Chopra believe Dravid might not extend his tenure, citing its toll on a cricketer's personal life.
• Additionally, reports suggest Dravid is in discussions to sign a two-year contract as a mentor with an IPL team, possibly the Lucknow SuperGiants.