As India prepares to participate in the ODI World Cup, all eyes are on head coach Rahul Dravid, whose two-year contract expires at the end of the tournament. Dravid’s future with the team will be closely scrutinized, particularly if India fails to make it to the title clash. A mere semi-final appearance is unlikely to be considered satisfactory, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may begin its search for a new coach. The decision will be pivotal, and it remains to be seen whether “The Wall” will be open to a contract renewal, either in part or in full, if offered by BCCI supremo Jay Shah.
There is growing discussion within cricketing circles about the possibility of having separate coaches for limited-overs and Test formats. This approach, already adopted by teams like England, could provide specialized expertise and strategies for each format. If he wishes, Dravid could potentially continue as the red-ball coach, with India facing important Test series against South Africa (away) and England (at home) soon.
Rahul Dravid’s tenure as coach has been marked by tremendous pressure and non-stop travel. Recognizing the toll it can take on a coach, the BCCI has allowed Dravid breaks from his coaching duties to rest and recuperate. Given the high-pressure nature of his job, such considerations for his well-being have been important.
While searching for a new coach remains a possibility, identifying suitable candidates is challenging. Former cricketer Ashish Nehra, who has enjoyed success as an IPL coach, is one name that has surfaced. However, sources close to Nehra suggest that he may not be interested in the role, given his commitment to the Gujarat Titans until the end of the 2025 season.
An anonymous former BCCI office-bearer has proposed that the BCCI should seriously consider having separate coaches for different formats after the World Cup. This approach would allow Dravid to continue as the red-ball coach if willing. However, the primary focus at this juncture is on the upcoming ODI World Cup, set to commence on October 5.
“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.
Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the white-ball coach has faced challenges and criticisms. Some have observed that he tends to be cautious in making tough decisions, particularly in T20Is and ODIs. His retention of the aging top-three in T20Is and the decision to drop Ravichandran Ashwin during the World Test Championship final have been questioned. Other concerns include the absence of a right-arm spinner and the inclusion of KL Rahul without sufficient match-fitness proof.
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As India embarks on its ODI World Cup journey, the spotlight remains on Rahul Dravid’s future as head coach. While a successful campaign in the tournament could bolster his position, his perceived limitations as a white-ball coach have raised questions. The decision regarding his future and the potential adoption of separate coaches for different formats will be critical in shaping India’s cricketing journey post-World Cup, particularly as the team transitions into a new phase with the departure of some cricketing legends.
