‘Bhai chal kya raha hai?’ – Fans react as Rahul Dravid denies Indian Cricket Board’s claims of tenure extension

On X, the Indian Cricket Board made a significant announcement regarding the coaching staff for Team India (Senior Men). Despite the Board’s statement on that day, Rahul Dravid, the Head Coach, disclosed that he has not yet finalized the extension of his contract. According to Dravid, he is yet to receive the official documents from the Indian Cricket Board formalizing the continuation of his role along with the coaching staff until the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024.

On November 29, the Indian Cricket Board issued a press release titled “NEWS – Indian Cricket Board announces extension of contracts for Head Coach and Support Staff, Team India (Senior Men),” confirming the retention of the existing coaching staff. This decision was based on the team’s commendable performance in reaching the final of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Board explicitly stated that the contracts be extended until the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in 2024.

The coaching staff set to continue their roles, as mentioned in the Board’s announcement, includes Rahul Dravid as the Head Coach, Vikram Rathour as the Batting Coach, T Dilip as the Fielding Coach, and Paras Mhambrey as the Bowling Coach. However, Dravid emphasized that he cannot provide official confirmation from his end until he receives and signs the contract extension papers from the Indian Cricket Board.

‘I haven’t signed anything yet’ – Rahul Dravid

“I haven’t signed anything yet; let the papers come from the Indian Cricket Board,” remarked Dravid in response to questions about his continuation as the Indian coach until the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024. This statement has left fans in a state of uncertainty, unsure whether the official confirmation of the contract extension has taken place or is pending. Criticism has been directed towards the Indian Cricket Board for the lack of clarity in this matter.

With an all-format tour in South Africa on the horizon, the squad for all three formats is expected to be announced soon. The Indian players are scheduled to depart for South Africa on the 6th of December. India must finalize the extension of contracts with the current coaching staff before this crucial date, adding a layer of urgency and significance to the ongoing situation.

Here’s how fans reacted: