Reports: Rahul Dravid declined BCCI advisory role because of Sourav Ganguly presence

Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid in action for India in 2007

According to reports, Rahul Dravid declined to be a part of the BCCI advisory committee because he did not want to be part of the same team as Sourav Ganguly. The high-profile body of ex-cricketers appointed by the BCCI consists of Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, apart from Ganguly – Dravid being the only absentee in the group from among the ‘Fab Four’ of Indian cricket.

Dravid reportedly declined to join citing his other commitments – his good work as Rajasthan Royals mentor is one of the main reasons why a large section of Indian fans are convinced he is the man to take over the Indian team in a coaching capacity. Laxman was approached by the BCCI after Dravid turned down the job offer.

However, a BCCI official is quoted to have said on the issue – “It seems he (Dravid) isn’t comfortable working with Sourav. That’s why his name isn’t on the list.” Another official said in agreement, “A cricketer like him wouldn’t want to be involved in a battle of egos.”

Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly have not had the easiest of relationships since having co-inciding rises in their career graphs in the 1990s. Last year during Sachin Tendulkar's book release, Ganguly was quoted as saying that Dravid knew about Greg Chappell’s plans to remove him and make Tendulkar skipper again, and that he had admitted to not being able to control the coach.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Anurag Thakur confirmed that Rahul Dravid had indeed been approached by the board to be a part of the advisory committee, and that an announcement on why he is not part of the committee will be made soon.

"An announcement on Rahul Dravid will be made soon. I think, you can't have everyone in the advisory committee.

“Of course, for a cricketer of that stature, BCCI will want to use his advice and take his services. When the time comes, the announcement will be made."

Speculations are also being made that Dravid is being considered for coaching India’s U-19 and ‘A’ teams.

Not sure why people are surprised Dravid, a man famed for his integrity, doesn't want to work with the BCCI. Seems pretty logical.

— Pavilion Opinions (@pavilionopinion) June 2, 2015