In a surprise development, Rahul Dravid today expressed his desire to step
down as the captain of the Indian cricket team.
Dravid met BCCI Chief Sharad Pawar here yesterday and expressed
his desire to relinquish the post.
"Rahul Dravid met Sharad Pawar at Delhi on September 13
and expressed his desire to step down as the captain of the Indian team and
requested that he should not be considered for the job from the ensuing Australia
series", a BCCI press release issued today said.
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", the release
said.
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 burderned
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.
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