After a heart-wrenching defeat against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, speculations about the future of Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach have been laid to rest.
Dravid, addressing the post-match conference, had revealed that he hadn’t contemplated his future in the coaching role.
Contrary to Dravid’s statement, widespread reports suggest that a decision has been finalized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the governing body of the sport in the country.
According to a report in a national daily, Dravid has decided not to extend his coaching contract.
The successor in line is believed to be his close friend and current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), VVS Laxman.
Laxman, who is currently overseeing India’s five T20Is against Australia, has expressed keen interest in the head coach position.
The former cricketer has previously stepped into the coaching role on various occasions, notably when a second-stringed India toured Zimbabwe, Ireland, and New Zealand. During Dravid’s tenure, he also took charge when India hosted South Africa.
As Dravid prepares to step down, Laxman is anticipated to decide whether to retain the current support staff, including batting coach Vikram Rathor, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, or introduce his own team.
The official announcement regarding India’s new head coach is eagerly awaited.
Under Dravid’s guidance, India secured victories in the Asia Cup (ODIs) and reached the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-finals.
Despite being runners-up in the WTC Final and ODI World Cup at home, India maintained dominance on home soil across formats.
However, challenges arose with a Test series loss in South Africa, a lone Test defeat in England, a T20I series setback against West Indies in the West Indies and the USA, and a disappointing performance in the 2022 Asia Cup (T20Is).
