Indian Cricket Board likely to extend two-year contract of Rahul Dravid as India coach

According to reports, the Indian Cricket Board is likely to extend Rahul Dravid’s contract as head coach of Team India after the ODI World Cup 2023 final loss. The former India skipper was appointed head coach when Ravi Shastri and former India skipper Virat Kohli stepped down after their 2021 T20 World Cup loss, where Team India was knocked out in the super 12 stage. Notably, Virat Kohli-led India failed to reach the playoffs after their two back-to-back losses to Pakistan and New Zealand.

However, Rahul Dravid has guided Team India to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022 and the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2022, the WTC Final, the Asia Cup 2023 win, and the ODI World Cup 2023 Final. Moreover, the Indian Cricket Board officials wanted Rahul Dravid to stay with the team for the 2024 T20 World Cup as well as the Champions Trophy 2025.

However, VVS Laxman is currently with the senior cricket team for the India vs. Australia series. Moreover, reports claim that VVS Laxman will be overburden with the new India’s head coach as he will coach in the Under-19 World Cup along with being the NCA head coach in Bangalore.

Indian Cricket Board wants Rahul Dravid to go to South Africa with the Test team: Reports

“The BCCI secretary Jay Shah has had discussions with Dravid during last week. Obviously, the fine prints of the new contract are yet to be worked out. But BCCI wants Dravid to go to South Africa with the Test team. The contract will be worked out but the Test series is important and even if he doesn’t go for the T20I series in SA, he can join (the team) from the ODIs,” a senior Indian Cricket Board office-bearer told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“Laxman’s hands are full with the NCA work plus there’s another U19 World Cup coming up. There’s A team tour to South Africa. He is also involved in cricketing matters with regards to construction of a new NCA facility which is at full swing,” the source added.