Xtra Time Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered Dravid to continue as India’s head coach, according to reports. Dravid, who replaced Ravi Shastri in 2021 for a two-year term, is yet to confirm acceptance of the offer. The BCCI is reportedly keen to send Dravid as Head Coach for upcoming India tour to South Africa.
If Dravid accepts the extension offer, his first assignment will be India’s tour to South Africa, commencing with white-ball series from December 10, followed by Test series starting from December 26. Dravid’s initial tenure as Head Coach of Indian team concluded with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
If Dravid continues, it is expected that he will retain his current set of assistant coaches: Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach). Dravid, who expressed pride in India’s top-ranked status across formats, had not committed to future plans after the World Cup.
Dravid does have lucrative offers from at least two IPL franchises which will be even less taxing compared to the Indian senior team assignment. He has been offered to be the mentor. Dravid had earlier expressed his unwillingness to take the role of Head Coach as it involves lot of travelling away from family.
If Dravid does not accept BCCI’s offer to extend his contract, then VVS Laxman is the frontrunner to take over as full time Head Coach of Indian team. But the problem with Laxman is his involvement with the National Cricket Academy. With the U19 World Cup slated to take place next year, he will have a big role.