New Delhi: The Indian team lost in the final of the World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This defeat was heartbreaking for cricket lovers. Furthermore, this particular match will be forever etched in memory for an additional cause. The Times of India has learned that this was Rahul Dravid’s last match as the Indian head coach. After the 2021 T20 World Cup, Dravid got the responsibility of the post of head coach. He ended his 2-year contract with WC.
Dravid has no desire to continue as a coach:
Many BCCI sources have confirmed that great batsman Rahul Dravid does not want to remain the head coach of the Indian team. He has also given this information to BCCI. Dravid’s place in the Indian team is sure to go to his former batting partner and close friend VVS Laxman. NCA chief Laxman is playing the role of head coach of Team India in the 5-match T20 series starting against Australia. Even before this, he had played the role of head coach many times in Dravid’s absence.
Laxman met BCCI official:
Regarding Laxman, the source said, ‘Laxman has expressed his eagerness for this job. During the World Cup, Laxman had reached Ahmedabad to meet top BCCI officials in this connection. It is probable that he will secure an extended contract as the coach of Team India. Next month’s tour of South Africa could be his first tour as a regular head coach.
Rahul Dravid has reportedly informed the BCCI that he has no intention of pursuing a full-time coaching role following the conclusion of the World Cup. Having been associated with the Indian team as a player for nearly two decades, this decision marks a significant transition in his career. He has been doing this again for the last few years but now does not want to do this in future. He is set to lead the NCA in his hometown Bengaluru. Similar to previous instances, he is capable of providing coaching to the team on specific occasions, however, he is not willing to take on the role of a full-time coach.
What will happen to other support staff?
Another source told TOI that the former Indian captain was already considering his future options. According to the source, negotiations are underway for a significant two-year contract with an IPL team.
The support staff contracts of the remaining members of the Indian team also came to an end after the conclusion of the World Cup. There is no clarity on whether these will be continued or not. Vikram Rathore was India’s batting coach, Paras Mhambrey the bowling coach and T Dilip the fielding coach.