BCCI: Laxman Unlikely to Replace Dravid as India Coach, Eyes IPL Return

BCCI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India is on the lookout for a new head coach for the Indian men’s cricket team, and it’s shaping up to be a fascinating search. Rahul Dravid’s contract, which was extended after a successful showing at the 2023 World Cup, concludes after the upcoming T20 World Cup in June 2024.

Finding Dravid’s successor is proving to be a complex task for the BCCI. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors at play:

Leading Contenders:

• Gautam Gambhir: The former Indian opener is a strong contender with his aggressive leadership style and deep understanding of Indian cricket.
• Stephen Fleming: The current Chennai Super Kings coach boasts a proven record of success in the IPL and international cricket.

Both Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, are set to step away from the national team’s coaching setup. While Dravid’s decision to prioritize family time after the T20 World Cup was known, reports suggest VVS Laxman, considered a frontrunner to replace him, is also unlikely to take on the head coach role.

Here’s a breakdown of the reasons behind Laxman’s reluctance:

• Demanding Schedule: The Head Coach position with the Indian team involves managing all three formats across a busy international calendar. This requires extensive travel and leaves little room for personal life.
• Focus on NCA: Laxman has been instrumental during his three-year stint. as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), shaping young talent. He might prefer to continue developing future stars.
• IPL Offers: Reports claim Laxman already has an offer from an IPL franchise. hinting at his potential return to the lucrative league. He could also explore commentary or analyst roles.

Challenges for the BCCI:

• Balancing Legacy and Change: The BCCI must consider the contrasting tenures of Anil Kumble and Ravi Shastri. Kumble’s focus on player discipline clashed with some senior players, while Shastri’s more relaxed approach yielded mixed results.
• IPL Commitments: Many strong candidates are currently involved with IPL franchises, which could lead to scheduling conflicts.
• T20 World Cup: The upcoming World Cup adds another layer of complexity. The BCCI might prefer a coach with experience managing a high-pressure tournament.

Also Read: USA Stuns Bangladesh in Historic T20I Series Win

BCCI’s Next Steps:

With both Dravid and Laxman opting out, the BCCI is left searching for a new head coach. Here are some possible scenarios:

• Former Players: Gautam Gambhir, with his successful IPL mentorship stints. or Anil Kumble, with his prior national team coaching experience, could be contenders.
• Foreign Coaches: The BCCI might explore experienced coaches from other countries, with Stephen Fleming’s name being mentioned in some reports.

Key Takeaways:

• Team India will have a new head coach after the T20 World Cup.
• VVS Laxman is unlikely to replace Rahul Dravid despite his qualifications.
• The BCCI has its work cut out in finding a suitable successor.

DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.