‘You don’t want to…’ – Gautam Gambhir’s take on Rahul Dravid’s contract extension as head coach of Team India

With the 2024 T20 World Cup around the corner, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir believes Rahul Dravid’s contract extension as head coach of Team India is great news. There were earlier reports that Dravid was not considering extending his contract due to the team’s busy schedule. However, the Indian Cricket Board on Wednesday announced the extension of the contract for Dravid and the support staff.

Along with Dravid, batting coach Vikram Rathour, fielding coach T Dilip and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey will continue their stint with the Indian Cricket Team. Their second spell will begin with a tour of South Africa from December 10, which will consist of three ODIs, T20Is and two Tests. This will be followed by a five-match home Test series against England in January 2024, and then the much-awaited T20I World Cup in West Indies/USA in June.

Dravid and Co. were phenomenal in the recently concluded 2023 ODI World Cup. Under their guidance, the Men in Blue dominated throughout the tournament and finished as runners-up. Gambhir emphasised that the T20 format is different and will be challenging but hopes Dravid and the supporting staff can deliver once again.

“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 news agency ANI.

I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set: Dravid 

The former India captain was appointed for a two-year term following the expiry of Ravi Shastri’s term after the 2022 T20 World Cup. Talking about the contract extension, Dravid said that he is proud of the culture Team India has established in the dressing room.

“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.”

“I thank the Indian Cricket Board 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.