It’s almost time for Team India to turn over a new leaf as the coaching staff of the team signals to part ways after the T20 World Cup. The coaching staff, including the head coach Ravi Shastri, might not continue with the team post the mega T20 event in the UAE.
The current contract of the coaching staff terminates with the end of the T20 World Cup 2021. Shastri has reportedly informed a BCCI official that he plans to end his coaching stint after the end of his contract. With Shastri, the batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Bharat Arun and the fielding coach R Sridhar are all set to part ways with Team India.
Shastri’s tenure with Team India
Shastri first joined team India in 2014 as the Director of the team and continued till the 2016 T20 WC. Anil Kumble then took over as the head coach of Team India for a year after which Shastri returned to the team, replacing Kumble. Shastri renewed his contract in 2019 but according to the reports, would not do so any further.
Though the team didn’t win any ICC tournament under Ravi Shastri, however, the feats achieved by Team India under Shastri were commendable. India came victorious twice from Australia after winning the test series in 2018 and 2020. India also went to clean sweep a test series against Srilanka and West Indies at their own backyards. No team, after 2017, won more away test matches than Team India. The home record only got better under Shastri, India defeated South Africa, England and Australia comprehensively.
Rahul Dravid, the new Head Coach?
Rahul Dravid, who is currently the ‘Head of Cricket’ at the NCA, is the most suitable candidate to take over as the Head Coach of team India. The veteran Indian Batsman has been working closely with the youngsters over the years to strengthen the bench strength of the senior cricket team. Dravid has also been the head coach of the India A and Under-19 teams. The former Indian Captain was also the head coach of the 2nd string Indian team which recently won an ODI series in Srilanka.
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Hence, if Dravid decides to apply for the Team India Head coach position, he’ll most likely be the frontrunner to get the job. Interestingly, Dravid’s contract with the NCA also comes to an end in the month of September.
