Reports: VVS Laxman likely to take over as India’s head coach

Rahul Dravid and BCCI are likely to part ways after the former cricketer has expressed to step down as the head coach of the Indian team. Notably, Dravid was given the baton after the T20 World Cup in 2021, and under his leadership, India qualified for the World Test Championship Final in 2023 and even reached the finale of the ODI World Cup 2023. However, his contract ended after the mega tournament in the subcontinent and he is now reluctant to sign a new contract.

In his absence, former cricketer VVS Laxman has filled in multiple times and is also in charge of the national team for the upcoming five-match series against Australia. Meanwhile, in case Dravid ends up not renewing his contract, Laxman will be offered to take over the role of the head coach of the Indian cricket team. The 49-year-old has worked with Sunrisers Hyderabad previously, before becoming the NCA chief in 2021.

After the ODI World Cup final, Dravid clarified that he has not given a thought about his future and will only plan about it in the next few days. However, as per The Times of India, Dravid has already conveyed to the BCCI officials his will to step down as the head coach of the national team.

Notably, the former cricketer was never too interested in the role. He was working as the NCA chief for a few years and looking at his success rate, the then BCCI chairman Sourav Ganguly offered him the role and asked him to sign a two-year contract. Dravid was reluctant at first, as he wanted to spend more time with the family but eventually ended up joining the national team for two years. In his absence, VVS Laxman was offered the role of NCA chief.

Meanwhile, Laxman has already expressed his desire to become the head coach and also met the BCCI officials in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup. A source also confirmed that he will be announced as the head coach ahead of the series against South Africa.

“Laxman has expressed his keenness for the job. During the World Cup, Laxman travelled to Ahmedabad to meet the BCCI’s top bosses in this regard. He’s likely to sign a long-time contract as the Team India coach, and will certainly travel with the team in that capacity for the upcoming tour of South Africa, which will be his first as the full-time India head coach,” a reliable source in the BCCI told TOI.