India’s New Head Coach: The Race to Replace Dravid

The Search for Success

With Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach ending after the T20 World Cup this year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on the hunt for his successor. Several former cricketers, both Indian legends and foreign coaches with experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are in the running for this prestigious role.

Top Contenders

• Ricky Ponting

The current head coach of the Delhi Capitals, a three-time ODI World Cup champion and former captain of Australia, is the front-runner to take over as head coach of Team India. His background as an athlete and coach has given him an immense amount of knowledge. Additionally, he commanded the Mumbai Indians from 2014 to 2016 before taking charge of the Delhi Capitals from 2018 to 2016. It is unclear if he will become the next coach of Team India.

• Justin Langer

Former Australian cricket player and coach Justin Langer has potential for the position. His outstanding experience as the Australian men’s team’s coach from 2018 to 2022 demonstrates his aptitude in this role. Leading the team to their maiden T20 World Cup victory in 2021, Langer oversaw their incredible comeback from the Sandpaper disaster. He received numerous honours for his man-management abilities and capacity to establish a successful culture. In his present position as head coach of LSG in the IPL, Langer has demonstrated his versatility and ability to grow new players.

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• VVS Laxman

Another contender to guide Team India as coach is VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and a former Indian cricket player. Laxman has also had coaching experience in the past. As the coach of Team India during the Asian Games, he had a significant role in India’s gold medal win.

• Gautam Gambhir

This list also includes Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders and a former member of Team India’s cricket team. He was significant for his victories in both the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. In addition, he was the coach of the Lucknow Super Giants. His expertise in teaching and captaincy is considerable. He has made it clear time and again that he wants to be the head coach of Team India. Everything now hinges on BCCI’s decision to give him a chance.

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• Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming is a well-known coach and former player in the cricket world. The Chennai Super Kings, who were created in 2008, have won the Indian Premier League championship five times since he took over as their coach. This time, his name is getting greater recognition as a possible successor to Steve Sills as India’s head coach because of Chennai’s displeasure. India’s head coach is currently being selected by the BCCI. Before that, he led the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League from 2015 to 2019.

The Final Decision

The BCCI is carefully evaluating these candidates. Who will be entrusted with guiding Team India to future glory remains to be seen. After the end of the T20 World Cup, Team India will have a new coach. Apart from him, someone else can also become the coach.