Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is hopeful that India can continue to dominate in all three forms of the game after Rahul Dravid was given the contract extension. Dravid has agreed to his contract extension and he will look to continue the good show.
Dravid took over as India’s head coach after the conclusion of the 2021 T20 World Cup. The former Indian skipper took India to the semifinal of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the final of the World Test Championship, and the final of the recently concluded ODI World Cup.
“It’s a good thing. The T20 World Cup is around the corner. It’s what, seven months away? You don’t want to change the entire support staff. It’s good that Rahul has accepted it. Hopefully, we can continue to dominate and play some good cricket, [which is] what India has done for quite a long time. T20 format is a different format, it’s a more challenging format,” Gambhir told ANI.
On the other hand, BCCI president Roger Federer is optimistic that the team will continue its march to the pinnacle of success under the tutelage of Rahul Dravid. The head coach has been able to get the best out of his players and he will look to keep guiding them on the right track.
“Mr. Rahul Dravid’s vision, professionalism, and unyielding efforts have been important pillars in Team India’s success. As Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, you are always under immense scrutiny and I extend appreciation to him not only for embracing the challenges but for thriving in them. The performances of the Indian Team are a testament to his strategic guidance,” he said.
“I am delighted that he accepted the offer to remain the Head Coach, and it speaks of the mutual respect and shared vision between him and the BCCI. I have no doubt that under him, the team will continue its march to the pinnacle of success and set new benchmarks along the way,” Binny added.
Dravid’s first assignment in his second stint will be the tour of South Africa, where India will play three ODIs, as many T20Is, and two Test matches.