Rahul Dravid is expected to receive a new two-year contract offer from the BCCI, but for the time being, the governing body prefers that the head coach lead the team while the arrangements are ironed out. Keeping Dravid would allow continuity for the senior team, according to many in the BCCI. Dravid has a good record over the last two years, having guided India to second place in both the World Test Championship (WTC) and the ODI World Cup.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Engages in Discussions with Dravid
“The BCCI secretary Jay Shah has had discussions with Dravid during last week. Obviously, the fine prints of the new contract are yet to be worked out. But BCCI wants Dravid to go to South Africa with the Test team,” a senior BCCI office-bearer told PTI on conditions of anonymity. Will he be prepared to embark on a single tour without executing the contract? “The contract will be worked out but the Test series is important and even if he doesn’t go for the T20I series in SA, he can join (the team) from the ODIs,” the source said.
Consideration for Team Coach During Series Opening
Regarding VVS Laxman, he could be the team’s coach during the opening stretch of the series, which would give him a firsthand assessment of the ‘A’ team. “Laxman’s hands are full with the NCA work plus there’s another U19 World Cup coming up. There’s A team tour to South Africa. He is also involved in cricketing matters with regards to construction of a new NCA facility which is in full swing,” the source added. But Dravid hasn’t revealed his choice yet because he’s also received several offers from IPL teams to be a team mentor or director, which comes with a lot of money but much less responsibility.
Dravid Contemplates Commending His Coaching Team’s Efforts
He might, however, also comment on the excellent work being done by his team, which also includes fielding coach T Dilip, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and batting coach Vikram Rathour. It will be interesting to see if Dravid’s contract extension is for a year, with the next Twenty20 World Cup in mind, or until 2025, which encompasses the entire current WTC cycle and the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is currently set to host.
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