Team India is expected to have a new head coach after the T20 World Cup 2024 as Rahul Dravid plans to step down from the top post after the mega tournament. On Monday, May 13, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opened applications for Team India's head coach role and the chosen candidate will serve a three-and-a-half-year term. While Dravid's current tenure ends next month, the BCCI has left the door open for him to re-apply for the position if he desires to continue. Applicants must submit their entries by May 27, 2024. Should Dravid wish to continue, he will need to reapply for the role leading the team captained by Rohit. The new head coach will begin their duties with the senior men's team on July 1, immediately after the T20 World Cup held in the United States and the Caribbean. The tenure for this role will extend until December 31, 2027.
According to a Sportstar report, head coach Rahul Dravid has decided to step down after the T20 World Cup. He reportedly informed the BCCI of his decision before the start of IPL 2024, citing personal reasons and a desire to spend more time with his family. Despite insistence from some senior India players, Dravid seems firm on his decision to move on.
Laxman unlikely to apply for head coach post
Meanwhile, current NCA chief VVS Laxman, who was previously considered a frontrunner to succeed Dravid, is also reportedly not interested in the head coach position at this time. Laxman has been the director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for the past three years and has served as India's stand-in coach for the Asian Games and bilateral T20I series during Dravid's absence.
What lies ahead?
With both Dravid and Laxman stepping aside, the BCCI has opened applications for the head coach position. The chosen candidate will lead the Indian team for a period of three and a half years. This coaching shakeup opens the door for a new leader to take charge of Team India. The upcoming application process and eventual selection will be crucial in determining who will guide the team in the coming years.
Who will take the helm after Dravid?
With Rahul Dravid's departure confirmed and VVS Laxman seemingly out of the picture, the hunt for India's next head coach heats up. The BCCI is reportedly exploring options beyond the national setup. They've been reaching out to head coaches of IPL franchises to gauge their interest in the national team position. While initial inquiries have been made, all interested candidates, including IPL coaches, will need to formally apply for the head coach position.
Fleming, Langer on radar
Reports suggest two possible contenders from the IPL coaching pool: Stephen Fleming (Chennai Super Kings) and Justin Langer (Lucknow Super Giants).
The official application process will determine the final pool of candidates, who will then be interviewed and ultimately selected by the BCCI. While Fleming and Langer have been mentioned, it's unclear if they will formally apply. Additionally, other IPL coaches or even surprise candidates could emerge.
The BCCI's focus on IPL coaches signifies a potentially new direction in their search for a head coach. The coming weeks will be crucial as the application process unfolds, revealing who will step up to lead Team India in the post-Dravid era.
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