‘We respect his decision’ - Jay Shah reveals reason behind Rahul Dravid not re-applying for head coach role

After India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, the tenure of India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, has come to an end. Having taken over as head coach in November 2021, Dravid won his first ICC title as coach, and his departure from the role left many fans emotional and wanting him to stay. 

However, there was no specified reason behind Dravid’s departure as head coach. It was just announced that the former batter will not be extending his contract after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in 2024. 

The reason was unknown until BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) secretary Jay Shah came forward to reveal the reason behind Dravid’s departure. Shah stated that, due to family commitments, Dravid cannot continue as the head coach of Team India. 

"He told me that due to family commitments, he wants to quit, and we respect his decision. I didn’t force him to extend,” Jay Shah was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times. 

“Rahul bhai has served Indian cricket for the past five and half years. He was director of the National Cricket Academy for three years and then for the past two and half years, he served as head coach of Team India,” he added.

Rahul Dravid’s role is as important as Rohit Sharma's: Jay Shah

Furthermore, Jay Shah was asked why Dravid’s tenure was extended after India’s loss in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, to which Shah replied that Dravid’s role in the Indian team is just as important as Rohit Sharma’s. He also revealed that a new coach is set to be appointed very soon.

"Rahul Dravid’s role is as important as Rohit Sharma's in this T20 World Cup title triumph. He is a man, who took the team to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and didn’t want to leave because he wanted to finish the job," Jay Shah said.

"Both coach and selector appointment will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but new coach will join from Sri Lanka series," he added.