Rahul Dravid has been offered an extension to continue as India’s head coach across three formats. But, the BCCI approached another former player to coach India in T20Is before. The offer, however, was rejected.
Following the culmination of Rahul Dravid’s tenure as Team India’s head coach at the Cricket World Cup 2023, uncertainty loomed over the coaching position. However, recent developments reveal that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) extended an offer to Ashish Nehra for the role of T20 coach, a proposal he turned down. Consequently, the BCCI revisited Dravid, urging him to continue coaching the team across all formats.
Sources indicate that Nehra, despite his successful coaching stint with the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, declined the opportunity to lead India’s T20 team. Dravid, along with his coaching staff, agreed to an extension, ensuring continuity in the structure and environment established over the past two years.
Dravid’s extended tenure will commence with the upcoming tour of South Africa from December 10, featuring three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests. Subsequently, Team India will engage in a five-match Test series against England at home, leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup in June.
Dravid assumed coaching responsibilities in 2021, succeeding Ravi Shastri after India’s exit from the ICC T20 World Cup. Initially appointed for a two-year term, his tenure culminated with India’s runner-up finish in the recent ICC Cricket World Cup. This extension aims to provide stability and build on the progress made under Dravid’s leadership.