A look at how India fared under Rahul Dravid as BCCI invites application for new head coach

Rahul Dravid (Pic: AFP)

Having seamlessly transitioned from being a legendary player to an influential coach, Rahul Dravid has shaped the future of Indian cricket with his sagacity and astute guidance since he took charge.

His coaching odyssey transcends mere accumulation of trophies, though they have been within grasp. India's triumph at the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, coupled with an unblemished journey to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, stand as resounding testaments to his capacity to nurture raw talent into fruition and ignite flames of greatness. However, Dravid's influence extends far beyond the numerical accounts on scoreboards. He inherited a team in a state of flux, with the departure of Virat Kohli's captaincy marking a pivotal juncture. Negotiating this transition with an aura of poise and sagacity, he bestowed his trust upon Rohit Sharma, fashioning a new ensemble around the seasoned campaigner.

Amid all of these transitions, challenges emerged as inevitable adversaries. The anguish of the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final defeat, coupled with the agonizing proximity to clinching the World Test Championship final, provided crucibles that tested the mettle of Dravid. His sojourn as a mentor may not yet boast the gleam of an ICC trophy, but the substratum he has laid down is immeasurable in its significance.

Meanwhile, the BCCI on Monday invited applications for the post of Indian men's cricket team's head coach for a period of three and half years as Dravid's tenure will end with next month's T20 World Cup.

"The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates," the release further stated. The selected new coach will take charge of the team from July 1, immediately after the T20 World Cup in the Americas, and the term will expire on December 31, 2027.

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The BCCI stipulated that the candidate, below 60 years age, should have played a minimum of 30 Tests or 50 ODIs and the applicant should have performed a similar role as a full member Test nation for a minimum of two years.

Recently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said Dravid will have to reapply if he wishes to continue in the job post the T20 World Cup. "Rahul Dravid's tenure is coming to an end. He has to reapply if he has to continue. We are looking for a long-term coach, for three years," Shah had informed select media recently.

But the proposed long tenure, 3.5 years, make it tough for Dravid to reapply as he has already served in the role since November 2021. Originally, his two-year contract had ended with last year's 50-over World Cup at home but was extended in view of the shortage of time to appoint a new coach ahead of India's tour of South Africa and the T20 World Cup in the Americas.

However, the new coach will have some important assignments to handle during his stint, which could be starting with the away white-ball series in Sri Lanka in July. Then there will be two home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand before travelling to Australia for the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India are the holders.

Then there is the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025, besides a tour to England mid that year. A year later, India and Sri Lanka will co-host the T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup is also on the calendar in 2027 in South Africa. The incoming coach will also have to handle the transition from batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and current skipper Rohit Sharma, who are in the evening phase of a glittering career at 35 and 37 years respectively.

(With agency inputs)