Despite a dominating performance throughout the tournament, Indian players disappointed fans in the final of the World Cup 2023. The 6-wicket defeat against the Aussies shattered the men in blue’s dream of lifting an ICC trophy after 10 years. However, the performance of the Rohit Sharma-led side in the event is being praised by fans and media. Rahul Dravid has also gathered praise for his role as Head Coach. However, as per reports, the 50-year-old coach is not keen to continue the job.
Rahul Dravid to step down after Coaching Team India for 2 Years
Rahul Dravid was appointed as the Head Coach of Team India in November 2021, succeeding Ravi Shastri, who stepped down following India’s unexpected group-stage exit from the 2021 T20 World Cup. Before, Dravid was serving as Head of the National Cricket Academy at Bangalore.
Under Dravid’s coaching, the Rohit Sharma-led side participated in five major tournaments: Asia Cup 2022, T20 World Cup 2022, World Test Championship Final 2023, Asia Cup 2023, and Cricket World Cup 2023. Out of these, India succeeded in winning the Asia Cup 2023. During his tenure, Team India achieved a significant milestone, attaining the No.1 ranking in all three formats at the same time.
VVS Laxman to be New Team India Coach
The report indicates that VVS Laxman is poised to become the new Head Coach of the Indian cricket team. He is presently serving as the interim Head Coach of the second-string Indian team, set to face Australia in a 5-match T20I series. Laxman has previously taken on the role of interim head coach on several occasions and is now expressing interest in assuming the position on a permanent basis.
“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.” a BCCI source said.
India’s Quest for a World Cup-Winning Coach Since Garry Kirsten
After Garry Kirsten concluded his tenure with a victory in the 2011 World Cup with Team India, no other coach has succeeded in securing a World Cup title, whether in the ODI or T20 format. Following Kirsten, Duncan Fletcher assumed the role of India’s coach, serving from 2011 to 2015. In this period, India did secure the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, marking their last ICC title to date. Fletcher was the last foreign coach for India.
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After Fletcher’s departure, Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid took on the role of full-time India Head Coach. Now, VVS Laxman is set to become the fourth consecutive Indian Head Coach. It will be interesting to see, how Team India performs under his guidance in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.