Rahul Dravid set to continue as head coach of Team India

Rahul Dravid is set to stay in charge of the Indian dressing room at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Having accepted the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) extension, Rahul Dravid will continue as the head coach of Team India after days of speculation and uncertainty. The duration of his extension hasn’t been specified by the board but he is expected to stay in charge at least until the T20 World Cup in 2024.

The former Indian captain was appointed as the head coach of the side in November 21 on an initial two-year term that concluded with the Cricket World Cup final against Australia on November 19. Under his tenure, India has climbed to the top of the ICC world rankings in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, but the Men in Blue failed to win any ICC trophies.

Team India finished as semi-finalists in the 2022 T20 World Cup and as runners-up in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship as well as the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Their run in the World Cup was especially memorable, having squashed all their opponents in 10 consecutive fixtures before dismally losing the final to Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The BCCI wanted Dravid to stay on as head coach in order to ensure continuity to the structure and balance that has been put in place over the last two years. They feared that having to get a new head coach would cause disruptions.

"The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable," Dravid said in a statement announcing 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. The skills and talent that our team possesses are phenomenal, and what we've stressed is following the right process and sticking to our preparations, which has had a direct impact on the overall result.

"I thank the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in me, endorsing my vision, and providing support during this period. The demands of this role necessitate considerable time away from home, and I deeply appreciate my family's sacrifices and support. Their instrumental role behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence."

Dravid will begin his second stint as head coach of India with the tour of South Africa. India will take on the Proteas three T20Is and three ODIs from December 10. It will be followed by two Tests in Centurion (beginning on December 26) and Cape Town (beginning on January 3). India then play a five-Test series against England at home, before the T20 World Cup in June.