In the wake of India's heartbreaking loss in the ICC One Day Cricket World Cup, another piece of sombre news emerges. The coaching tenure of Rahul Dravid, the current head coach, concludes with the conclusion of his two-year contract. Despite expressing a desire not to continue in the coaching role, a glimmer of hope appears on the horizon.
Sources reveal that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended a fresh proposal to Rahul Dravid, urging him to reconsider his decision and continue as the head coach. Despite the team's loss in the World Cup final, Dravid's coaching expertise over the past two years has impressed the board members, who are eager to retain him for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Amidst speculations, discussions took place last week between Rohit Sharma, Ajit Agarkar, and subsequently with Dravid. Following these deliberations, the offer to reinstate Dravid as the head coach was officially presented to him.
If Dravid accepts this proposition, it will mark his second stint as the coach of the Indian cricket team. His initial coaching venture began after the 2021 T20 World Cup, succeeding former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly.
Despite falling short in the ICC Trophy, India's performance in bilateral series and other formats under Dravid's coaching has been commendable. BCCI officials express satisfaction with the team's progress and aspire to maintain India's top-tier status in world cricket under Dravid's guidance.
If the deal materialises, Dravid's coaching journey will resume with India's tour of South Africa, commencing on December 10th. The series includes three ODIs and T20Is, followed by a two-match Test series starting on December 26th.
While India couldn't clinch the ICC Trophy in 2023, the unbeaten streak in the group stage and semifinals showcased the team's prowess. The BCCI is optimistic about Dravid's potential to lead India to victory in future tournaments, including the upcoming T20 World Cup.
In an intriguing turn of events, there are also reports suggesting that Rahul Dravid may take on the role of mentor for the Lucknow Supergiants in the upcoming IPL matches. This dual responsibility could add a new dimension to Dravid's multifaceted involvement in shaping the future of Indian cricket.