Reacting to Rahul Dravid's contract extension as head coach of India, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir expressed his optimism for the team's future under Dravid's guidance. He expressed hope that the team would continue to maintain its dominance and showcase high-quality cricket.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Dravid's contract extension on Wednesday, November 29, along with the extensions of batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip.
Gambhir welcomed the move, highlighting the importance of continuity in the support staff, especially with 2024 T20 World Cup approaching. He also extended congratulations to Dravid and the entire support staff. Gambhir's comments reflect the widespread confidence in Dravid's leadership and his ability to steer Team India towards continued success. The contract extensions provide stability and continuity, allowing the team to focus on its goals and maintain its position as a global cricketing powerhouse.
“It’s a good thing because the T20 World Cup is around the corner and you don’t want to change the entire support staff, and it is good that Rahul has accepted it. Hopefully, we can continue to dominate and play good cricket, what India has done for a long period of time. The T20 format is different and challenging and hopefully, Rahul and the support staff can deliver. Congratulations to them,” Gambhir told ANI.
Dravid's second tenure as Team India head coach will kick off with a series against South Africa, comprising three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests. Following this, Team India will host England for a five-match Test series. Dravid is also likely to lead the team in the upcoming T20 World Cup in June.
Dravid reiterated the team's unwavering commitment to excellence as they prepare to face new challenges post-World Cup.
“The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable. 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,” Dravid said.
“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,” he added.
Since Dravid assumed the post of India's head coach in November 3, 2021, Men in Blue have significantly performed well. India were the semifinalists in the 2022 T20 World Cup, then went on to become World Test Championships 2023's finalists. Under Dravid's regime India also became no.1 team across formats. India also clinched the Asia Cup 2023 title in the aegis of Dravid. And their latest exploits came in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, where India emerged as the runners up.
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