Rahul Dravid, whose tenure as Team India’s head coach concluded post the 2023 ODI World Cup, has opted against renewing his contract, expressing his desire to assume the helm at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). This decision marks a pivotal shift as VVS Laxman gears up to lead the senior team, with the impending South Africa tour serving as his inaugural major assignment.
Stepping into the coaching role after Ravi Shastri’s departure in late 2021, Dravid, alongside skipper Rohit Sharma, steered the team into the knockout stages across three ICC events. The Men in Blue made impressive strides, reaching the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-finals, the World Test Championship (WTC) finals, and the 2023 ODI World Cup finals.
Dravid’s reluctance towards the exhaustive travel demands of the coaching job has been cited as a primary factor influencing his decision. Contemplating a reappointment at the NCA and occasional contributions to the senior team, Dravid is also exploring an IPL franchise’s coaching staff opportunity for a two-year stint.
According to reports from the Times of India, Laxman has expressed interest in the Team India coaching role, engaging in discussions with the BCCI’s top brass during the World Cup. Expected to sign an extended contract, Laxman is set to embark on his maiden tour as India’s full-time head coach for the South Africa series.
A reliable source within the BCCI shared insights, stating, “Dravid has communicated to the BCCI that he isn’t keen to continue as a full-time coach… He’s fine with a role at the NCA as the head there, which will allow him to stay back in his hometown Bengaluru.”
Following Team India’s heartrending loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia, Dravid refrained from commenting on his future, indicating he had yet to make a definitive decision.
As Laxman assumes leadership for the upcoming T20I series against Australia, uncertainties loom over the support staff’s future. The continuity of individuals like Vikram Rathour, Paras Mhambrey, and T Dilip within the team setup remains uncertain, contingent on Laxman’s preference to bring in a new coaching ensemble to assist in his tenure at the helm.
