In a huge development, Indian batsman Rahul Dravid has been appointed as the next head coach of team India.
According to a press report published in the Times of India, a top BCCI leader said that Dravid has perpetrated to succeeding current coach Ravi Shastri. Dravid is possible to soon step down as head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
The official stated in this respect:
“Dravid has confirmed he will be the next head coach of the Indian team. He will be stepping down as the head of the NCA soon,”
Dravid will consider charge of his coaching responsibilities with the home series against New Zealand, which begins 3-days after the T20 World Cup. While Shastri’s 2nd stint with Team India concludes with the quadrennial competition.
Rahul Dravid‘s stint will reportedly run until the completion of the 50-over World Cup in 2023. Also said that his contract could be worth Rs.10 crore.
“He has worked so hard to develop the next line of Indian cricketers” – BCCI official on Rahul Dravid
The development reaches as a huge surprise, as there was news about Dravid ‘politely refusing’ BCCI’s offer in the last couple of days.
The BCCI was due to begin the hiring process for a different head coach this couple of days. But secretary Jay Shah and president Sourav Ganguly were in support of seeing someone like Dravid. The latter has given a lot of time shaping the feeder line of aspiring cricketers, so he has been considered the best man to take Indian cricket forward.
“He was re-appointed as the NCA head last month. But the BCCI needed a strong candidate to take Indian cricket forward. He has worked so hard to develop the next line of Indian cricketers,” said the official.
Dravid’s committed lieutenant Paras Mhambrey will possibly take over as bowls coach, Meanwhile, a decision is yet to be taken on replacing fielding coach R. Sridhar. When Vikram Rathour should stay as the batting coach.
“Even Mhambrey knows this next lot of players like the back of his hand. So, Ganguly and Shah thought it would be best if they could bring both of them on board. They will assume charge from the New Zealand series after the World Cup,” the source added.