As the cricketing world anticipates the climax of the World Cup 2023, there's an air of uncertainty surrounding Rahul Dravid's future as the coach of Team India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to extend a new offer to Dravid, whose current contract is set to conclude after the World Cup final.
Rahul Dravid took over as the coach of the Indian cricket team in 2021, succeeding Ravi Shastri after the T20 World Cup. The initial two-year contract, which spanned the World Cup, now faces its culmination. Speculation is rife about whether the esteemed cricketer will continue to helm the coaching responsibilities or part ways with Team India after the grand finale.
Surprisingly, the BCCI has not initiated discussions regarding a new contract with Dravid, leaving his future with the team hanging in the balance. The dynamics within the BCCI seem to be shifting, as initial reservations about Dravid's coaching style have evolved following India's stellar performance in the ongoing World Cup.
While Team India's commendable run in the World Cup makes a contract extension or a fresh deal plausible, the crucial question is whether Rahul Dravid himself is inclined to continue in the role. When he assumed the coaching position in 2021, there were indications that he might be an interim coach. Some close associates suggested that Dravid might choose to step down voluntarily after the World Cup, irrespective of the team's performance.
Irrespective of Dravid's decision, there could be alterations in the coaching staff. Assistant coaches like Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T. Dilip (fielding coach) might see their contracts extended. The BCCI appears to be contemplating the future composition of the coaching team.
As a twist in the tale, VVS Laxman, the head coach of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), is set to be with Team India during the T20 series against Australia starting on November 23. This arrangement provides the BCCI with additional time to make a conclusive decision on Dravid's future. The official announcement regarding the squad for the T20 series is expected shortly after the World Cup final.
The days following the World Cup final could bring clarity to the coaching structure of Team India. As the cricketing community watches in anticipation, the fate of Rahul Dravid as the coach remains an intriguing subplot in the post-World Cup narrative.
