Rahul Dravid top contender for Team India head coach role
BCCI seem to have finally arrived at a decision on who they may want to see as head coach of the Indian team. As reported by Cricbuzz, the board's advisory committee, which consists of stalwarts Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman, has spoken to Rahul Dravid on whether he would want to take up the role.
And if the sources are to be believed, the legendary Indian batsman has agreed to think about it and provided he agrees to take it up, he may be offered a long-term contract, which may stretch to the 2019 ICC World Cup in England. Considering the fact that Dravid has been coaching the India A and India Under-19 teams for nearly a year, it is likely that he may assume the job for the senior team as well.
Meanwhile, there is still a shadow of doubt over Ravi Shastri's involvement with Team India going forward. The former Indian cricketer had taken over as team director in the year 2014 and his contract came to an end with India's exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2016. Even though Shastri wishes to work with the team in the future, he is not among the candidates for the head coach role, according to sources.
The BCCI's inclination towards having Rahul Dravid in the head coach role may have a lot to do with the fact that the Indian team will be playing a lot of Test cricket in the next year or so. Apart from that, Dravid has also shown the quality of being able to connect with youngsters, the biggest proof being India's largely successful Under-19 World Cup campaign.
Prior to Dravid, Australia's Mike Hussey had also been approached for the role; however, the southpaw had declined the offer. Although the cloud over the head coach role remains, the BCCI may stick to Bharat Arun, R Sridhar and Sanjay Bangar as bowling, fielding, and assistant coach respectively.
There may be more clarity about the decision on Team India's head coach after the BCCI advisory committee meets on 5 April.