Team India will reportedly have a new head coach after the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Rahul Dravid, who is currently serving as India’s head coach, told the BCCI that he is no longer willing to extend his tenure.
According to a Sportstar report, the former India captain informed the BCCI hierarchy about his decision to spend time with family even before the start of IPL 2024 in March. And it looks like the BCCI has started the process to find Rahul Dravid’s successor.
On Monday (May 13), the BCCI invited applications for the head coach post, setting May 27 as the deadline. Earlier this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had stated that Rahul Dravid “would have to reapply” if he wanted an extension. However, the legendary batsman is not willing to extend his tenure as head coach.
Rahul Dravid’s contract expired at the end of the ODI World Cup last year. However, the BCCI asked him to remain in office until the T20 World Cup and the former cricketer accepted the extension.
Rahul Dravid to part ways with India team:
The report further stated that a group of seniors in the team had asked Rahul Dravid to consider leading the Test team for at least a year. However, Dravid had made up his mind and decided not to change his decision this time.
Had Dravid decided to stay on as a Test coach, the BCCI could have considered having different coaches for limited overs and Test match setups. However, Shah recently made it clear that India will not have multiple head coaches. He stated that there will only be one head coach for all formats and his appointment will be until the end of 2027.
For now, there is little clarity on who will replace Dravid. Former India batsman VVS Laxman was considered by many to be Dravid’s successor. However, it is unlikely that he will throw his hat in the ring. Recent media reports have claimed that the BCCI might opt for a foreign coach this time.