INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: The top brass of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Rahul Dravid engaged in extensive discussions regarding his
potential continuation as the head coach, keeping the fast approaching T20I World Cup in mind.However the board's inclination seems to be
leaning towards appointing a new individual with the current NCA Director VVS Laxman emerging as a strong contender.Dravid's initial
two-year contract as India's head coach concluded after the recent World Cup final where Rohit Sharma's and co
faced a disappointing six-wicket loss to Australia
Since then, debates have been ongoing regarding Dravid's future role as the helm of the Indian cricket."Rahul and the BCCI had a talk about
We will respect the decision taken by him
The general feeling is that with the T20 World Cup about 7-8 months away, there is time for a new coach to come in and build a team and set
decision will be reached only after thoroughly thinking about all angles."We are also talking about whether continuity (current
coach/captain combination) is needed for the (T20) WC
We are hoping to reach a decision soon so that path forward is clear," he added.It is also understood that the board is quite happy with the
way Dravid has managed the team along with captain Rohit over the last two years despite not landing any global trophiesThe pair has guided
India to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia and finals of the World Test Championship 2023 in England and the 50-over
World Cup at home.However, India won the Asia Cup beating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in Colombo in September under their regime.The official
hinted that all the stakeholders involved including Rohit, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and a few other higher BCCI office-bearers will sit
together soon to arrive at a final call.VVS Laxman, the current NCA chief, is tipped to succeed Dravid as India head coach, and the official
said they have kept their options open."Options are open (for head coach)
He (Laxman) is familiar with the team, players and the methods
He also has experience working with the national team," he explained.PM Modi consoles team India in dressing room after World Cup final loss
against AustraliaLaxman is currently with the Indian team as head coach for the five-match T20I series against Australia, and the former
Indian batter has often stepped in for Dravid in the past whenever the latter was given a rest.(With inputs from PTI)
