When Rahul Dravid replaced Ravi Shastri as India’s head coach in November 2021, expectations soared. Fast forward to now, Dravid’s 21-month tenure has been a mixed bag, putting his legacy on the line. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India just around the corner, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the former Indian skipper.
Rumors swirl about Dravid’s future as the head coach. According to a PTI report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may be on the hunt for a new coach after the World Cup concludes in November. Additionally, some suggest that Dravid could continue solely as the Test coach, given the upcoming challenging series against South Africa and England.
However, there’s a twist. Ashish Nehra, who recently guided the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title, is also reportedly in the mix. Nehra, though, seems reluctant to take the position, as his contract with Gujarat Titans extends until the end of the 2025 season.
Interestingly, a former BCCI office-bearer, speaking anonymously to PTI, offered another angle. If India wins the World Cup, Dravid might prefer to bow out on a high note. This source also argued that the BCCI should consider having separate coaches for different formats post-World Cup. Dravid could then continue focusing on Test cricket.
Rahul Dravid, his Legacy and the Coaching Conundrum: The Clock Ticks towards the 2023 ODI World Cup
Before stepping into the role of the senior team’s head coach, Dravid had exceptional stints with India’s Under-19 and ‘A’ teams. Nevertheless, his tenure with the senior team has been marked by several setbacks. India failed to reach the Asia Cup 2022 final, lost a Test series in South Africa, and suffered defeat in the WTC final last month. They even bowed out in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 and lost to England in a rescheduled fifth Test.
“Suppose India wins the World Cup, Dravid himself might not want a renewal as he would like to end his stint on a high. But if you ask me, post World Cup, the BCCI should seriously think of having separate coaches for separate formats. They should ask Rahul to continue as red ball coach,” a former BCCI office-bearer told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Considering these recent performances, the pressure is palpable. Rohit Sharma and his team are among the favorites for the upcoming World Cup, but how they perform in front of the home crowd remains to be seen. The 50-over World Cup will take place from October 5 to November 19, featuring 10 teams.
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The upcoming World Cup thus serves as a watershed moment for Dravid and Indian cricket. A successful campaign might extend Dravid’s tenure and solidify his coaching legacy. On the flip side, another disappointment could mean a total revamp, ushering in a new era with perhaps a new coach at the helm.
Dravid’s role as a head coach is now tethered to India’s performance in the upcoming World Cup. It’s a defining moment that could either cement his legacy or push the BCCI into yet another round of introspection and decision-making. The clock is ticking, and Indian cricket fans wait with bated breath to see how this chapter unfolds.
