Team India: In a stunning turn of events, Australia secured their sixth ODI World Cup title by defeating Team India by 6 wickets in the 2023 World Cup final. This loss was a heartbreak for millions of Indian cricket fans and has led to speculations about the future of the Indian cricket team’s coaching staff, particularly the position of head coach currently held by Rahul Dravid.
With Dravid’s impending departure, the question on everyone’s mind is who will take on the role of head coach for Team India. Let’s explore some potential candidates who have the experience and expertise to lead the team to further success.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni:
Team India: The first name that comes to mind is that of former Team India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India clinched ICC trophies thrice, including the 2011 World Cup. Dhoni’s extensive experience as a player, having participated in 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20 Internationals for Team India, makes him a strong contender for the coaching role. His proven leadership skills and deep understanding of the game could greatly benefit the team.
Ashish Nehra:
Another candidate in the running for the head coach position is Ashish Nehra. Nehra achieved coaching success by guiding the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title in their debut season in 2022. The team, led by Hardik Pandya, also reached the finals under Nehra’s guidance. As a former player who represented India in 17 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 27 T20 matches, Nehra brings a wealth of experience to the table. His recent success in the IPL adds to his credentials as a potential head coach.
VVS Laxman:
Team India: VVS Laxman, known for his elegant batting, has stepped in as a caretaker coach for the Indian team on several occasions when Rahul Dravid was unavailable. Currently heading the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Laxman has played 134 Test matches and 86 ODIs for India. He has previously taken on the role of head coach for Team India in five matches, showcasing his coaching abilities.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits Rahul Dravid’s decision to step down from his coaching role in December, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will have a critical decision to make regarding his successor. With experienced candidates like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ashish Nehra, and VVS Laxman in contention, the future of Indian cricket coaching seems promising. The BCCI will need to carefully evaluate these options to ensure the continued success of Team India on the international stage.
Image Credit – espncricinfo
