Rahul Dravid not keen to continue as India coach, VVS Laxman may take over: Report

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• Nov 23, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Rahul Dravid has formally communicated his decision to the board, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts in a...

Digital Desk: Team India's remarkable journey in the Cricket World Cup 2023 came to a bittersweet conclusion with a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat against Australia in the final. The loss, however, has been doubly poignant as it marks the end of Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed that Dravid's two-year contract concluded with the World Cup, and he has opted not to extend his role as head coach. Reportedly, Dravid has formally communicated his decision to the board, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts in a state of shock and reflection.

The report suggests that VVS Laxman, former India batter and Dravid's ex-teammate, is the frontrunner to take over as the new head coach. Laxman, who is currently serving as the head coach of a second-string Indian team in a T20I series against Australia, is said to have expressed his keenness for the position.

"Laxman has expressed his keenness for the job. During the World Cup, Laxman traveled to Ahmedabad to meet the BCCI's top officials in this regard. He's likely to sign a long-term 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 within the BCCI revealed.

As Team India prepares for a 5-match T20I series against Australia starting on November 23, attention is already shifting to the future under the potential leadership of VVS Laxman. The upcoming tour of South Africa, featuring 3 T20Is, as many ODIs, and 2 Tests from December 10 to January 7, will likely be Laxman's first assignment as the head coach.

Despite the heartbreak in the World Cup final, Team India had an exceptional run in the tournament, winning all 10 matches they played before the final. They had earlier clinched the Asia Cup title this year but faced disappointment in the T20 World Cup semifinal last year and the final of the World Test Championship. As the team looks toward the future, cricket enthusiasts await official confirmation of VVS Laxman's appointment and the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket.