This Wednesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it official that head coach Rahul Dravid and his coaching team will continue their roles. The contracts, which initially ended with the conclusion of the Cricket World Cup 2023, have now been extended.
After Australia defeated India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, there was talk that the BCCI was looking into hiring a new coach. But following negotiations, everyone agreed to extend Rahul Dravid’s contract. The length of the deal is still unknown.
Finding a worthy successor for this vital position in the squad for the next few years was a significant task for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after Dravid’s contract expired. There have been rumors circulating that the BCCI asked Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra to think about leading the national T20 team before deciding on Dravid’s extension.
The reason behind Ashish Nehra turning down the coaching post has come to light. Reports from PTI say that the former fast bowler opted against it due to his commitments with the Gujarat Titans in the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Other variables also played a part in his choice.
It’s been mentioned that Nehra wasn’t keen on the head coach role since he wanted to keep his contract with GT until 2025. Additionally, being close to his family, especially with young children, was a priority for the former Indian pacer, and he didn’t want to be apart from them.
Currently, his focus is on teaching during the IPL for around two and a half months. However, he hasn’t rejected the concept of perhaps taking on a job as a white-ball coach with the national team in the future when the circumstances fit. Following India’s loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, there was speculation regarding the BCCI considering prospects for a new coach. However, after discussions, all sides reached an agreement to extend Rahul Dravid’s tenure. The contract duration remains secret.
The conclusion of Dravid’s contract provided a major issue for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in finding a suitable replacement for this vital role in the squad for the following years. Reports circulated that, before confirming Dravid’s deal, the BCCI approached Ashish Nehra, the coach of Gujarat Titans, to discuss taking on the post of head coach for the national T20 team.
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