Rahul Dravid's Future as India Coach Unclear After World Cup

Just as Team India's World Cup performance has left the country hoping to break their 2013 ICC trophy drought, there is mounting doubt about Rahul Dravid's ability to stay on as head coach after November 19.

Following the quadrennial showcase event, Dravid, who took over for Ravi Shastri in November 2021, will not be renewing his two-year contract.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Dravid have not yet discussed extending his contract, but it is believed that the former captain of India is not eager to make himself available.

Despite Dravid's reluctance to accept the demanding role of managing the India team, he eventually gave in at the urging of Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI president at the time. As the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and manager of the India U-19 and A teams, he had been more than content with his work, which allowed him to visit his home city of Bangalore.

Since then, former cricketer VVS Laxman has assumed leadership of the NCA and, to give Dravid a break, he also occasionally travels with the national teams.

Thus, the World Cup has taken center stage. In the run-up to the World Cup, Dravid and (BCCI secretary) Jay Shah's discussions have focused on the team's performance and what has to be done to win the trophy. Only after the competition is over will his role be discussed, a source told The Press Time.

NCA head VVS Laxman, who performed India head coach duties in Rahul Dravid’s place during the series in New Zealand last November. Dravid had taken time off after the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Just as Team India's World Cup performance has left the country hoping to break their 2013 ICC trophy drought, there is mounting doubt about Rahul Dravid's ability to stay on as head coach after November 19.

Following the quadrennial showcase event, Dravid, who took over for Ravi Shastri in November 2021, will not be renewing his two-year contract.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Dravid have not yet discussed extending his contract, but it is believed that the former captain of India is not eager to make himself available.

Despite Dravid's reluctance to accept the demanding role of managing the India team, he eventually gave in at the urging of Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI president at the time. As the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and manager of the India U-19 and A teams, he had been more than content with his work, which allowed him to visit his home city of Bangalore.

Since then, former cricketer VVS Laxman has assumed leadership of the NCA and, to give Dravid a break, he also occasionally travels with the national teams.

Thus, the World Cup has taken center stage. In the run-up to the World Cup, Dravid and (BCCI secretary) Jay Shah's discussions have focused on the team's performance and what has to be done to win the trophy. Only after the competition is over will his role be discussed, a source told press time.

Head of NCA VVS Laxman, who filled in for Rahul Dravid as India's head coach during the series in New Zealand in November of last year. Following the Australian Twenty20 World Cup, Dravid had taken a break.

Head of NCA VVS Laxman, who filled in for Rahul Dravid as India's head coach during the series in New Zealand in November of last year. Following the Australian Twenty20 World Cup, Dravid had taken a break.

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After living out of a suitcase for 16 years while he was a player, Dravid doesn't seem to want to serve another term. Since his son Samit has been performing well for Karnataka at the U-19 level, he wants to keep a close eye on his professional progress.

A lot also depends on how the BCCI thinks. Dravid will undoubtedly face pressure to stay on as head coach if India wins the World Cup. Should they fall short of the mark, things might drastically change.

There are rumors that the BCCI might request that Dravid lead the Test team and implement split-coaching.

The team really likes David because of his technical skill and friendly demeanor. It is admirable that he can make things clear for the players and help them understand their roles. His excellent rapport with Rohit is encouraging for the team. The source went on, "The BCCI will also need to take these things into account.

However, what would happen if Dravid chooses not to go on? Laxman is a clear choice to succeed him, but Ashish Nehra is preferred by some in the BCCI to lead the limited-overs teams. Nehra has an IPL contract that expires in 2025 with the Gujarat Titans.

Under Dravid, India lost both the World Test Championship final and the T20 World Cup semifinals, but he deserves credit for leading the team to the top of the rankings in all three game formats.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.