Rahul Dravid signs contract extension to remain India head coach after World Cup final defeat

Rahul Dravid will remain India's head coach in all formats after accepting a contract extension from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The former batter, 50, was appointed in November 2021 but his contract expired at the end of the 50-over World Cup.

Hosts India were tournament favourites and won all of their group-stage games before losing to six-time winners Australia in the final.

The duration of Dravid's contract extension has not been confirmed.

He is expected to remain in charge until at least the T20 World Cup in June 2024.

Dravid appeared in 164 Tests for India as a player, scoring 13,288 runs - the fourth-highest of all-time.

Under his stewardship as coach, India have become the number one ranked team in Tests, one-day internationals and T20s, but have not won an International Cricket Council (ICC) world trophy since 2011.

They were beaten by England in the semi-final of the 2022 T20 World Cup and were runners-up to Australia in the World Test Championship final earlier in 2023 before the 50-over final defeat.

"The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable," said Dravid in a statement.

"Together, we have witnessed highs and lows and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal.

"I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room.

"As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence."

India are currently playing a five-match T20 series against Australia, which started just four days after the World Cup final, with Dravid's side leading the series 2-1.

They then travel to South Africa for a tour consisting of three T20s, three ODIs and two Tests in December and January.

That is followed by a five-match Test series at home against England between January and March.