Rahul Dravid served as the head coach of Team India from November 2021 to November 2023, taking over from Ravi Shastri. His tenure witnessed significant achievements, as under his guidance, India reached the No. 1 position in all three cricket formats for the first time in history. The team also qualified for the finals of the ODI World Cup 2023 and the World Test Championship 2023. Despite these successes, India faced defeats in both finals, losing to Australia.
During Dravid’s coaching stint, India also reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in 2022 and secured victory in the Asia Cup in 2023. His two-year contract concluded after India’s loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final on November 19, 2023.
Transition in Coaching Leadership:
After the conclusion of Dravid’s coaching contract, he expressed his decision not to continue as the head coach on a full-time basis. Dravid, a former India captain, communicated this decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Having traveled extensively with the Indian team for nearly 20 years as both a player and coach, Dravid is now looking at a different role.
VVS Laxman as Potential Successor:
In the wake of Dravid’s decision, the BCCI is reportedly considering VVS Laxman, Dravid’s former teammate and Test specialist, as the next head coach. Laxman has previously served as India’s head coach in Dravid’s absence on several occasions. The Times of India reported that Laxman has expressed keen interest in the position and may sign a long-term contract. The former cricketer has already taken charge for the T20I series against Australia, which commenced on November 23, 2023.
Rahul Dravid Future Plans:
According to sources, Rahul Dravid is exploring options for his future endeavors. While he may not continue as a full-time coach, there are indications that he might join an IPL franchise. Talks are reportedly underway for a substantial two-year contract with a team. Additionally, Dravid is open to sporadically coaching the Indian team but is looking forward to a role at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. This potential role would allow him to stay in his hometown while contributing to player development.
Uncertainty in Support Staff Continuity:
With Dravid stepping down as head coach, there is uncertainty surrounding the continuity of the support staff whose contracts also concluded with the World Cup. Vikram Rathour served as the batting coach, Paras Mhambrey as the bowling coach, and T. Dilip as the fielding coach. The decision on whether they will continue in their roles is yet to be determined. Laxman, if appointed as head coach, might have the option to bring in his own set of support staff.
Upcoming Challenges and Decision Timeline:
India is scheduled to travel to South Africa next month for an all-format series, and a decision on the new head coach is expected to be made before the tour. The BCCI will likely assess the situation and finalize the coaching staff to ensure a smooth transition and preparation for the upcoming challenges.
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