Ashish Nehra declines offer to be India's T20I coach, BCCI prepares visas for both Dravid and Laxman for South Africa tour: Reports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had apparently approached Ashish Nehra to take over as Team India's T20I coach following the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss against Australia. But according to a report by the Indian Express, the former India pacer turned down the offer.
There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the coaching position right now, with Rahul Dravid's contract coming to an end soon. Nehra, meanwhile, has attained a lot of success in his head coach role with the Gujarat Titans, guiding the team to the title in the 2022 season, and to a second-place finish in the 2023 edition.
With Nehra out of the running for the T20I head coach post, the BCCI now wants Dravid to continue across all three formats. If reports are to be believed, the BCCI has offered a contract extension to the former India captain.
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are reportedly of the opinion that Dravid should continue as head coach at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup.
However, Dravid is apparently uncertain about making a long-term commitment to the post. Many are claiming he would prefer a role that does not include extensive traveling, much like the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head in Bengaluru or even a potential gig in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Dravid has been heavily linked with the vacant mentor position at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise following Gautam Gambhir's departure to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
BCCI reportedly looking at all possibilities as Dravid decides on his future
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI has arranged for the travel papers of both Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, as well as the rest of the coaching staff, for the upcoming tour of South Africa.
The report further states that the BCCI is looking at all possibilities as Dravid decides on his future. It is possible that the current coaching staff, led by Laxman, will continue working with the T20I squad for the three-match series that begins on December 10.
If Dravid accepts the offer to continue as head coach, he might take over the proceedings in South Africa for the remaining three ODIs and two Tests.
Laxman and his coaching staff being awarded visas could also be to oversee the India 'A' team, who will be playing three four-day matches in December 2023.
Will Rahul Dravid continue as Team India head coach? Let us know what you think.