In a surprise development, Rahul Dravid on Friday expressed his desire to step down as the captain of the Indian cricket team.
"I have nothing to say as of now," Dravid said to TV channels. According to reports, Dravid told BCCI President Sharad Pawar that he needn't be captain for the upcoming Australia series.
BCCI’s Prof Ratnakar Shetty confirmed Dravid’s offer to resign as skipper of Team India. Shetty told TV channels, “I can say that it did not come as a surprise. He will play Australia Test and ODI series”. “It’s for selectors to pick Dravid’s successors,” added Shetty.
Sourav Ganguly expressed shock on his resignation. Team India manager Chandu Borde also said that there was no prior indication of Dravid’s resignation.
Dravid has assured that he would extend his full co-operation to his successor and contribute as a batsman and a senior player. Rahul wanted to concentrate on his game.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said the Board will consider his request and look for a successor. "He has expressed his desire to quit and has written a letter to the Board president in this regard. The Board will definitely consider his request,” Shukla said. "He has been requesting for the past couple of days. He was feeling burdened as a player and captain. The BCCI will now consider the options,” he said.
Shukla said Dravid did not give any indication during the tour of England that he wanted to step down. "I think the reasons are personal. He must have pondered over it.”
In case the BCCI accepts Dravid's resignation, a new captain has to be appointed within the next two weeks before Australia's tour of India gets underway from September 29. Although Dravid had offered to step down after the 2007 World Cup, his batting came under scrutiny during the recently concluded England tour.
BCCI’s Prof Ratnakar Shetty confirmed Dravid’s offer to resign as skipper of Team India. Shetty told TV channels, “I can say that it did not come as a surprise. He will play Australia Test and ODI series”. “It’s for selectors to pick Dravid’s successors,” added Shetty.
Sourav Ganguly expressed shock on his resignation. Team India manager Chandu Borde also said that there was no prior indication of Dravid’s resignation.
Dravid has assured that he would extend his full co-operation to his successor and contribute as a batsman and a senior player. Rahul wanted to concentrate on his game.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said the Board will consider his request and look for a successor. "He has expressed his desire to quit and has written a letter to the Board president in this regard. The Board will definitely consider his request,” Shukla said. "He has been requesting for the past couple of days. He was feeling burdened as a player and captain. The BCCI will now consider the options,” he said.
Shukla said Dravid did not give any indication during the tour of England that he wanted to step down. "I think the reasons are personal. He must have pondered over it.”
In case the BCCI accepts Dravid's resignation, a new captain has to be appointed within the next two weeks before Australia's tour of India gets underway from September 29. Although Dravid had offered to step down after the 2007 World Cup, his batting came under scrutiny during the recently concluded England tour.
