Rahul Dravid won’t travel to Sri Lanka with the Indian team

Rahul Dravid was selected as the overseas batting consultant with the senior national team when he is still in the charge of the India under-19 and India A side. The appointment had raised questions on how Dravid would distribute his time for three different responsibilities. And now, if a report in the Times of India is to be believed, then Dravid will not travel to Sri Lanka with the senior team. 

"Dravid will obviously not travel with the team to Sri Lanka as he has to be with the 'A' side in South Africa and Zaheer Khan and Ravi Shastri will take charge during the upcoming tour. So, all these points need to be kept in mind while formulating Dravid's contract," a BCCI official told the Times of the India while mentioning that both Sanjay Bangar (assistant coach) and R Sridhar (fielding coach) are set to get extensions as Sridhar too has to let go of his role with Kings XI Punjab. 

It is also understood that bringing Dravid to the senior team fold is the part of the compensation for Dravid as the latter had to resign from the role of Delhi Daredevils’ mentor. Along with that, the official also added that BCCI's legal team is working out a clause to accommodate Dravid's new role. As per the current contract, Dravid is due to get around 4.5 crore in the first year with an approximate 10% increment in the next year, which amounts to Rs 5 crore. 

"The clause is 'he'll be called whenever he is needed'. It doesn't mean he will have to travel on every overseas tour. The board is currently zeroing down on the amount he needs to be paid on top of the existing contract. But one thing is certain that no fresh contract will be made for his role with Team India. It is kind of a part of the compensation.” 

Meanwhile, a source close to Dravid said, "Dravid always liked working with the younger lot and he had made it pretty clear he doesn't want to stay away from his family for long. Hence, he likes specific and short-term contracts."