From VVS To MSD - Who Can Replace Dravid To Be India's Next Head Coach?

image-lp82j92hRahul Dravid could leave post for the next India head coach (Twitter)

With Rahul Dravid emerging as non-committed about his future as India's head coach following the conclusion of his two-year term after the ICC World Cup 2023, Men in Blue could enter a brief search for the next leader of their support staff. 

While Dravid's former teammate and NCA Director of Cricket VVS Laxman has been made interim coach for the next assignment - the India versus Australia T20I series - speculations are rife on the appointment of India's next full-time head coach with six different men's ICC tournaments to fight for over the next four years cycle. 

Multiple high-profile candidates are expected to file their interest if Dravid decides to part ways with Team India and the BCCI top brass is forced to cast the net wide in the appointment process for his long-term replacement in the stiff role. 


Top 5 Candidates To Be India's Next Head Coach

VVS Laxman

image-lp86q863VVS has served as India's interim Head Coach (x.com)

VVS Laxman, the former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) mentor, could be the frontrunner to replace Dravid if the former middle-order giant decides to relinquish his existing NCA post and take on the senior team's responsibility. The great player has been donning the head coach's hat on a temporary basis for the past two years whenever Dravid has asked for rest. The arrangement agreed between the India head coach and NCA Head has also allowed Laxman to gain familiarity with all the seniors and aspiring youngsters part of the set-up. 


MS Dhoni

image-lp86t57nMSD was India's mentor during their failed T20 WC campaign in 2021 (x.comO

Of all the high-profile names, MS Dhoni's ascent to India's head coach would come up as a major surprise. The legendary former India skipper has shown a genuine sign of detachment from international cricket ever since his retirement three years back and might not put his interest forward to replace Dravid. 

However, if the great wicketkeeper-batter changes his mind, there could be no better option to join the Team India support staff with his remarkable game intelligence and familiarity with all the players.


Virender Sehwag

image-lp86vlmnSehwag has coached Punjab in IPL (x.com)

Virender Sehwag is known for his unfazed and unabashed outlook towards the game and could infuse a great sense of freedom and aggression into India's style of play with his straightforward talk and match-winning temperament. Unlike Dhoni, the swashbuckling former India opener also has coaching experience under his belt as the ex-head coach for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL.


Andy Flower

image-lp86y5wrAndy Flower has wore a coach's hat during the IPL (x.com)

If BCCI look towards foreign coaches, former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower with his wealth of coaching experience and success could be a great fit in Dravid's shoes. Flower is renowned for his body of work as former England head coach, who has since transformed into a frequent title-winning head of support staff for multiple domestic T20 franchises across the globe. Given his expertise, Flower would be a fantastic choice.


Gary Kirsten

image-lp876gdqKirsten was at the helm during India's historic 2011 triumph (x.com)

12 years back, Gary Kirsten decided not to renew his head coach's contract with Team India despite the highs of the 2011 World Cup win. However, if interested, there would be very few individuals better than the former India and South Africa head coach for Dravid's role. Kirsten's calmness and intelligence could be vital for Men in Blue as they approach a transition phase and eye glory in the following set of ICC events.