As India gears up for an all-format away series in South Africa, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating extending head coach Rahul Dravid’s contract. Dravid’s tenure officially concluded with the ODI World Cup 2023, but the BCCI extended his contract until the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled in the West Indies.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah explained the circumstances leading to Dravid’s contract extension, citing time constraints for naming an interim coach. Shah mentioned, “We did not have time. We met with them and mutually agreed that he can continue. Once they return from South Africa, we will sit with him and decide on the tenure.”
Uncertainty Surrounding Rohit Sharma’s T20 World Cup 2024 Participation
Shah also addressed the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s place in the T20 World Cup 2024. He emphasised that the decision would be made after the Afghanistan series in January and the IPL 2024. The selectors will take into account Sharma’s form and fitness ahead of the marquee event.
Providing an update on all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s fitness, Shah stated that Pandya is being monitored daily at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Shah expressed optimism about Pandya being fit before the Afghanistan series, emphasizing his day-to-day progress at the NCA.
Confidence in Mohammed Shami’s Recovery
Addressing the injury concerns of pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, Shah expressed confidence in Shami’s recovery ahead of the Test series against South Africa starting on December 26. Shami, despite nursing an ankle injury since the ODI World Cup 2023, emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah concluded, “Shami should be ready for the South Africa series. He is not at the NCA yet but will go there soon. We are confident he will recover in time.”
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