Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid has reapplied at the National Cricket Academy for the post of Head of Cricket. Dravid is the only prominent name to have applied for the job. The development should end the speculations of Dravid replacing Ravi Shastri as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.
Shastri’s tenure as the India head coach comes to an end after the T20 World Cup in November. Dravid, who took the responsibility of temporary coach of India’s limited overs side that toured Sri Lanka in July, was rumoured to replace Shastri.
Dravid has done a remarkable job as the NCA Head in developing young players. With his two-year contract coming to an end, the Board of Control for Cricket in India had to invite applications for the post as there’s no provision for contract extension according to the new constitution.
“Yes, Rahul has reapplied for the post of Head of Cricket. You don’t need to be a genius to guess that he is going to continue after the tremendous work he has put in to change the face of NCA, which is now truly a centre of excellence,”
a senior BCCI source informed PTI on conditions of anonymity.
It is understood that Dravid is the only prominent figure to have applied for the post. The BCCI has decided to extend the deadline for applications by a few days so that interested candidates get enough time to submit the application.
“In fact, as of now, save Rahul, there are no other prominent names of stature who have applied for the post. BCCI brass has decided to extend the deadline from August 15 by a few more days.
When Rahul is in fray, everyone knows that there is little meaning in applying for the post. It’s more of a formality but yeah to be fair, a few more days are there if anyone feels that he would like to throw his hat in the ring,”
the source added.
Following the Sri Lanka tour, Dravid had expressed his reservations about joining the Indian team as full-time coach, saying, “there are a lot of challenges in doing full-time roles, so I really don’t know”.
His reapplication means that he’s very much determined to work at the grassroots level to develop a strong supply line for Indian cricket. He received huge accolades for his work after a depleted Indian side defeated Australia on the back of performances by youngsters.
“It is only because of Dravid that the NCA has been transformed from a rehab centre for injured players to one which nurtures talented youngsters into finished products.”
the source concluded.
The role of NCA chief involves the development of young cricketers at NCA in Bengaluru and with India A and age-group squads to ensure a swift supply chain to the senior team.
It is also learnt that Dravid has been working with the BCCI towards creating a new Centre of Excellence at a new facility near Bengaluru airport.
As far as India’s head coach position is concerned, with Dravid staying at NCA and Shastri hinting that he won’t be reapplying, the BCCI will have to look beyond these two for the role.
Indian cricket team has touched new heights under Shastri’s tenure, especially in the Test arena, where they have been world-beaters. Finding a suitable replacement for him might not be an easy task for the board.
