In 2021, Rahul Dravid became India’s head coach, and at the same time, VVS Laxman took on the role of NCA chief. Rahul Dravid and the BCCI are expected to go separate ways as Dravid has indicated his decision to step down as the head coach of the Indian team.
Despite leading India to the World Test Championship Final in 2023 and the ODI World Cup final, Dravid’s contract concluded after the tournament, and he is hesitant to sign a new one.
In case Rahul Dravid decides not to renew his contract, former cricketer VVS Laxman, who is currently in charge for the upcoming series against Australia, may be offered the role of the head coach of the Indian cricket team.
VVS Laxman will be the new head coach for India
Laxman, aged 49, had previous coaching experience with Sunrisers Hyderabad before becoming the NCA chief in 2021. Following the ODI World Cup final, Dravid mentioned that he hasn’t yet contemplated his future plans and will think about it in the coming days.
However, The Times of India reports that Dravid has already informed BCCI officials of his intention to step down as the head coach of the national team. Initially, Dravid wasn’t particularly keen on the coaching role.
He had been serving as the NCA chief, and when then BCCI chairman Sourav Ganguly proposed the coaching position with a two-year contract, Dravid hesitated, expressing a desire to spend more time with his family.
Despite his initial reluctance, he eventually accepted the national team coaching position for a two-year term. During this period, VVS Laxman took on the role of NCA chief in Dravid’s absence.
Meanwhile, Laxman has conveyed his interest in becoming the head coach and held discussions with BCCI officials during the ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad. Sources indicate that he is expected to be officially appointed as the head coach before the series against South Africa.
“Laxman has expressed his keenness for the job. During the World Cup, Laxman travelled to Ahmedabad to meet the BCCI’s top bosses in this regard. He’s likely to sign a long-time contract as the Team India coach.”
”He will certainly travel with the team in that capacity for the upcoming tour of South Africa, which will be his first as the full-time India head coach,” A trustworthy insider in the BCCI informed TOI.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.