Rahul Dravid’s Decision On Head Coach Job Made, India Icon Unlikely To Reapply: Report

India head coach Rahul Dravid isn’t going to get an automatic extension when his contract runs out in June this year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has confirmed. In a statement, Shah confirmed that Dravid will have to reapply if he wishes to continue in the job after his tenure ends with next month’s T20 World Cup, while also confirming that the new appointment will be for a three-year term. However, a report has revealed that Dravid is unwilling to extend his stay as Team India’s head coach beyond June.

Dravid, who had a two-year contract originally, was given an extension along with his support staff after the conclusion of the 50-overs World Cup in November last year.

“We will call for applications in the next few days. Rahul Dravid’s tenure is coming to an end. He has to reapply if he has to continue. We are looking for a long-term coach, for three years,” Shah told select media during an interaction at the BCCI office on Thursday.

As per a report in the Times of India, Dravid isn’t keen to continue as India’s head coach, and hence, is unlikely to join the race head coach race again.

The BCCI secretary said there has been no precedent of having different coaches for different formats but ultimately the decision rests with the Cricket Advisory Committee. The CAC comprises Jatin Paranjape, Ashok Malhotra and Sulakshana Naik.

“There is no precedent of different coaches for different format in Indian cricket. Besides, we have a number of players who are all-format players. There are many common players across formats such as Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma,” he said.

“Ultimately, this is the Cricket Advisory Committee’s call. I have to implement what they decide,” he added.

Shah said even a foreign coach can be considered depending on the CAC’s recommendations.

“If the CAC selects a foreign coach, I can’t interfere,” he added.

The BCCI secretary informed that the vacant post of one national selector is expected to be filled up soon.

“A few interviews for the selector’s post have already happened. We will announce it soon,” he said.

Greg Barclay’s role as the chairman of the International Cricket Council ends later this year but Shah remained non-committal on running for the position.

“Let me be here in BCCI. Let there be speculation. But let me be here (in the BCCI). Am I not doing a good job?” he asked.

With PTI inputs