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5 candidates to become next coach of India after Rahul Dravid
The tenure of Rahul Dravid as India’s coach has come to an end. After the 2021 T20 World Cup, Rahul and Rohit Sharma took over India’s responsibility as all-format coach and captain respectively. India had a decent success under the tenure of Dravid. Had India won the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia, it would have been icing on the cake on Dravid’s coaching career.
The biggest achievement under Dravid’s tenure was the last 3 months of his association with India, where the team won the Asia Cup 2023 and reached the final of the ODI World Cup 2023. The tenure of Dravid was till the end of the recently concluded World Cup. Reports suggest that Dravid is unlikely to extend his tenure with India. That leads to the questions of India’s next coach.
Here are 5 candidates to become the next coach of India after Rahul Dravid.
5. Gary Kirsten
Gary Kirsten (Source: Twitter)
Gary Kirsten has a good record as a coach. Under his tenure as the Indian coach, the team achieved huge milestones like winning the Asia Cup 2010 and the ODI World Cup 2011. Since then, Kirsten has not coached India. However, the former South African cricketer has coached several other teams over the years in different leagues in the world of different proportions.
Kirsten helped the Gujarat Titans win their maiden title in the IPL 2022, where he was the batting coach of the team. The cool and composed nature of Kirsten augured well with the Indian team that had a hard time with Greg Chappell as its coach. Kirsten shared a great bond with Dhoni. His association with Hardik Pandya in the recent past might also do good for the team.
4. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Source: Twitter)
Virender Sehwag does not have much experience in coaching a side. In the past, Sehwag was a coach of Punjab Kings in the IPL. In his tenure, the Kings did not achieve anything special. But the way Sehwag thinks about the game and his knowledge about some of the Indian players might make him a candidate to be considered. Sehwag is liked by many players in the current Indian team.
In his playing days, Sehwag was an aggressive batter. In the fast-moving game, players like Sehwag are plenty in world cricket. India likes to Mould itself into a team that embraces such a brand of cricket. Sehwag is the best bet for the players to play in a way that could entertain the crowd. It could help many players in the team who might need freedom to play fearless cricket.
3. Andy Flower
Andy Flower (Source: Twitter)
Andy Flower is one of the most successful coaches of all time. The former Zimbabwean cricketer played a crucial role in the transformation of the English side that could not perform well in the ODI World Cup 2015. England in 2019 went on to win the World Cup. Likewise, Flower has led many franchises in different leagues. As a coach, Flower has had several successful stints in various parts of the world.
As someone who has been a part of different cultures, Flower can get India to play the way everyone wants to see. In the latest ODI World Cup 2023, Australia emerged victorious. If India likes to replicate something like it, Flower might be one of the best candidates. Recently, Flower was appointed the head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2024.
2. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)
MS Dhoni has never coached a team. For starters, Dhoni has not yet fully retired from cricket as a player. Dhoni still plays the IPL for Chennai Super Kings. While it is unlikely that Dhoni might be looking at retirement, he might be interested if the Indian management wants him to be the coach of the team. MS Dhoni did have an association with India in the past.
In the T20 World Cup 2021, Dhoni was a mentor of the Indian team. In the tournament, India did not perform as well as expected. Given the success of Dhoni as a captain, one would not mind having him as a coach. If Dhoni wishes to become the coach of India, it would be highly beneficial for the youngsters. Dhoni is known for his man-management skills, which are essential at the highest level.
1. VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman (Source: Twitter)
VVS Laxman is the frontrunner to become the next coach of India and rightfully so. The former Indian cricketer has been with the Indian team as the head of the National Cricket Academy. Whenever Dravid has taken leaves, Laxman has stepped up as the coach for the team. In the Asian Games 2023, Laxman was the coach of the team that won the gold medal.
Laxman knows a thing or two about the Indian players. His association with Team India might make him an obvious candidate to take India forward. Laxman has closely watched many players in the recent past and is aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Laxman has the experience of being a coach in the past. THE NCA head might be the best candidate to become the next coach of India.