Ten days after arguably the biggest disappointment of his tenure, India head coach Rahul Dravid was handed an extension till the end of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States in June, The Indian Express has learnt. The BCCI had offered former India left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra the coach’s job in the shortest format, but when he declined, the Board decided to retain Dravid’s services across formats. It is learnt that captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were in favour of Dravid continuing as head coach till the T20 World Cup. Nehra was part of the coaching set-up at IPL franchise Gujarat Titans, who won the title in their inaugural season last year and lost a thrilling final to Chennai Super Kings in 2023. After India went down to Australia in the 50-over World Cup final, after winning 10 matches in a row in dominant fashion, Dravid had said that he hadn’t thought about his future as India coach, as his tenure had come to an end. During the two-year period, India reached the finals of 50-over World Cup and the World Test Championship, while they were thrashed by eventual winners England in the semifinals of last year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. In that regard, Dravid’s record has been similar to that of his predecessor Ravi Shastri, who also failed to secure an ICC trophy during his stint. Along with Dravid, the tenures of other members of the coaching staff – batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach T Dilip – have also been extended. Director of the National Cricket Academy VVS Laxman has stepped in as the coach for the ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia. Dravid will be back at the helm for the upcoming tour of South Africa, which comprises three T20Is and as many One-Day Internationals, starting on December 10, as followed by two Tests in Centurion and Cape Town. “The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable," Dravid said in a statement that announced his contract extension. "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 said Dravid will have “full backing” from the Board in his endeavours, despite the team coming up short in the World Cup final.
