Rahul Dravid, who took over as India’s head coach in November 2021, stepped down after guiding the team to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. This triumph marked Dravid’s first ICC title as head coach, leaving fans and cricket experts hoping he would continue in his role.
VIDEO OF THE DAY. ❤️
– Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma & other players lifting Rahul Dravid to give him a perfect farewell. 🥺 pic.twitter.com/RLwhMVCcbB
BCCI secretary Jay Shah addressed the media in Barbados, explaining the reason behind Dravid’s decision not to reapply for the head coach position. “He told me that due to family commitments he wants to quit, and we respect his decision. I didn’t force him to extend,” Shah stated.
Reflecting on Dravid’s coaching tenure, Shah highlighted his contributions over the past five and a half years. “Rahul bhai has served Indian cricket diligently. He was the director of the National Cricket Academy for three years and then served as head coach of Team India for the past two and a half years,” Shah remarked.
Shah also emphasized Dravid’s pivotal role within the squad, comparing his influence to that of captain Rohit Sharma. “Rahul Dravid’s role is as crucial as Rohit Sharma’s in this T20 World Cup title triumph. He took the team to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and stayed on because he wanted to finish the job,” Shah added.
New Head Coach to Be Appointed
With Dravid stepping down, Shah confirmed that a new head coach would take over from the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka later in July. However, he did not disclose the names of the potential successors. “Both coach and selector appointments will be made shortly. The CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names, and after reaching Mumbai, we will go by their decision. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe, but the new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series,” Shah announced.
According to media reports, Gautam Gambhir is a leading contender for the head coach role, competing with WV Raman. Following the T20 World Cup final, India also saw significant changes in the squad, with captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli retiring from T20Is, paving the way for younger players to step up.
Rahul Dravid’s departure as India’s head coach marks the end of a significant era, characterized by resilience and triumph. While fans and experts alike hoped for his continued leadership, Dravid’s decision rooted in family commitments was respected by the BCCI.
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