Former Indian cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly expressed his lack of surprise at Rahul Dravid’s contract extension as the team’s head coach. Ganguly stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) always had faith in Dravid’s appointment and he was extremely pleased to see him continue in the role. Under Dravid’s guidance, the Indian cricket team finished as runners-up in the Cricket World Cup 2023, and Ganguly hoped that Dravid would lead them to success in the T20 World Cup in 2024.
The BCCI has extended Dravid’s contract as India’s head coach, at least until the T20 World Cup, although the exact duration of his second term has not been disclosed. Ganguly, who was president of the BCCI when Dravid was appointed as head coach, expressed his happiness for his former teammate’s contract extension.
“I’m not surprised that they have shown faith in Dravid. When I was president of the Board, we convinced him to take on this job. And I’m so happy to see that his tenure has been extended,” Ganguly said.
“It was always a matter of whether he wanted it or not. I wish him luck for another World Cup in June. He was very close this time,” Ganguly added.
Ganguly also praised the Indian cricket team for their performance in the recent World Cup, even though they did not clinch the title. He believes that they were the best team in the competition and hopes that Dravid can lead them to victory in the upcoming World Cup in the West Indies.
“They may not have won it, but they probably were the best team in the competition with the way they played. So he’s got another seven months for a World Cup in the West Indies. Hopefully, at that time, he will not be runners-up, but a champion,” Ganguly said.
When asked about India’s title drought at ICC global tournaments, Ganguly expressed his optimism and stated that he hopes the team’s luck will change and they will eventually cross the bridge to victory. He reflected on his own experiences as captain, having qualified for three finals but only winning one.
“Hopefully they will cross the bridge one day, their luck will change. There is no rocket science,” Ganguly said.
The BCCI’s decision to extend Dravid’s contract reflects their confidence in his abilities as a coach and their belief in his potential to lead the Indian cricket team to success in future tournaments.
