3 options BCCI has if Rahul Dravid quits as head coach

The Indian Cricket Team could have a new head coach before the end of this year. Rahul Dravid’s contract expires in November, and the current head coach is unsure whether to continue even if India lifts the World Cup 2023. The BCCI, meanwhile, will wait till the tournament to decide their course of action.

Dravid’s tenure has been a mixed bag. While India has dominated at home and made it to another WTC Final, the silverware hasn’t followed. With India now entering a transition phase, should Dravid move away, the onus will be on his successor to phase out the seniors.

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What’s the situation with Rahul Dravid?

Regardless matter whether India wins the 2023 World Cup, head coach Rahul Dravid
 might retire. After the major event, he is not expected to have his contract renewed. 
Dravid is troubled by extensive travel with the Indian Cricket Team and a lack of family
 time.

“It has been a rocky journey for him. Rahul likes a settled life and that is why he did not want to take up the job initially. He has had to manage his family as well as travel with the team on back-to-back long tours. He will take a call on his future even if India win the World Cup,” a BCCI source told InsideSport.

The BCCI meanwhile say there is no indication Dravid will not continue. However, a decision on his future will only be taken close to the World Cup.

“There have been no discussions with Rahul on extension or renewal. We are all focused on World Cup at the moment. But yes, we will have a discussion with Rahul before the WC and prepare a contingency around it. So far, we have received no indication that he doesn’t want to continue,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.

VVS Laxman natural successor

While it is still early to consider shortlists, one can potentially understand the profile BCCI could look at. Before taking over as head coach, Dravid served as the NCA head and looked after U19 and India A tours. Dravid was seamlessly replaced by former teammate VVS Laxman.

Laxman has accompanied India as interim coach whenever Dravid has missed out. Should The Wall opt to not continue, Laxman presents his case as a natural successor.

The former India batter will be in the dugout during the Asian Games campaign. VVS has coaching experience in the IPL and with the Indian team. He also has played a key role in the recoveries of Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah while at the NCA. However, with the National Cricket Academy also set for a revamp, the Indian board could chase some stability with Laxman at the helm.

Ricky Ponting, Andy Flower among foreign options

Among foreign coaches, Ricky Ponting and Andy Flower are names potentially in consideration. Ponting, who is at Delhi Capitals, was reportedly in consideration when Dravid was given the job. The former Australian captain could bring in solid aggression and a winning mentality, which the team lacks.

Other than DC, Ricky Ponting has had multiple stints with Australia. He also led Mumbai Indians to an IPL title in 2015. Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson, who recently parted ways with RCB, could also be on the radar.

Flower is one of the biggest names in the coaching industry around franchise Cricket. He was recently let go by Lucknow Super Giants having guided them to playoff finishes in both years. However, there is a reluctance from BCCI to go for foreign coaches. India last had an overseas coach in Duncan Fletcher whose deal ended after the 2015 World Cup.

If not Laxman, then who?

Besides Laxman, former India opener Virender Sehwag could also be in the mix to become the Indian Cricket Team coach. Sehwag was considered an option during India’s last coaching search. However, with no prior coaching experience, his appointment would be a hard sell.

As for Ashish Nehra, he’s received plaudits for his work with Gujarat Titans. Nehra coached the Hardik Pandya-led side to back-to-back IPL finals. With Hardik viewed as a future leader in ODIs as well, the former left-arm pacer could be in with a shout. Domestic coaching stalwart Chandrakant Pandit could also be in consideration should BCCI opt for a left-field approach.

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