In a significant announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the extension of contracts for Rahul Dravid and his coaching team, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhmabrey, and fielding coach T Dilip. The decision came after the conclusion of their initial contracts following the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
The extension follows India's commendable performance at the World Cup, where, under the guidance of the coaching staff, they displayed dominance by winning 10 consecutive games. While India didn't secure the title, losing to Australia in the final, the team's strong showing led to the unanimous decision to extend the coaching team's tenure.
Reports had initially suggested Dravid's reluctance to extend his contract due to the demanding nature of the role. However, the BCCI engaged in discussions, ultimately persuading him to continue leading the coaching team.
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Dravid expressed gratitude to his family for their sacrifices and emphasized the team's commitment to excellence. He highlighted the support and camaraderie within the group and the resilient culture instilled in the dressing room.
BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah lauded Dravid's vision, professionalism, and efforts in making India the No.1-ranked team in all three formats. They expressed confidence in Dravid's ability to lead the team to sustained success at the international level, acknowledging his instrumental role in India's cricket success. The extension of contracts marks a continued era under Dravid's leadership, setting the stage for India's future cricket endeavors.