While some major reporters across the country have already announced that Rahul Dravid is set to take over as the India head coach, BCCI has announced that they are open to receiving applications for this position alongside batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach and head sports science for NCA.
A deadline of October 26 has been set for the head coach position, whilst for other posts, the deadline is November 3.
The current holders of those positions, Ravi Shastri (Head Coach), Bharat Arun (Bowling Coach), Vikram Rathour (Batting Coach) and R Sridhar (Fielding Coach) will be leaving after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
R Sridhar confirmed his departure after the tournament on social media, calling the upcoming T20 World Cup his “final assignment”.
There were some names hovering around in the world of rumours, like Tom Moody, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble. However, it was confirmed by Times of India that Rahul Dravid has agreed to take over the mantle, thus giving up his position as the head of National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Learn more 👉 ESPNcricinfo: Dravid to become India’s next full-time head coach
BCCI has apparently convinced Dravid to take up the position despite certain reluctance from the former Indian captain. Dravid, who retired in 2012, has worked with Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals before stepping up as the U19 and India A coach. Under his stewardship, India won the 2018 U16 World Cup and reached the final in 2016.
He was in contention to take this position when Anil Kumble stepped down after a fall-out with skipper Virat Kohli, but he declined the role. Shastri was roped in for the second time, having previously taken over as Team Director in 2014.
Under Shastri, India went on to win two Test series in Australia, reached the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup and also the final of the inaugural Test Championship. Although the silverware doesn’t showcase itself in the cabinet, the development of the Indian Test team has been a major takeaway in the Shastri tenure.
Dravid’s first assignment as head coach is expected to be the home series against New Zealand, which starts 3 days after the T20 World Cup’s scheduled final.