As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated 1st T20I between India and Australia in Visakhapatnam on November 23, 2023, a significant announcement has cast a shadow on the Indian cricket landscape. Following India’s heart-breaking six-wicket defeat to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023, sources have confirmed that Rahul Dravid, the revered head coach, has decided not to continue in the role.
Dravid’s tenure as coach saw India reach the finals of the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup, although the team faced defeats on both occasions. The former batting maestro, known for his stoic demeanour, leaves a void in the coaching setup. Speculation is rife that his ex-teammate, VVS Laxman, will step into the role of head coach for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia.
Surya Kumar Yadav, appointed as the new T20 captain, will lead Team India as they face the ODI World Champions in what marks the beginning of a transitional phase. The T20 World Cup in 2024 looms on the horizon, and with Rohit Sharma declaring himself unavailable for T20I selection, Surya Kumar Yadav emerges as a potential candidate to lead the side.
VVS Laxman (Source: Twitter)
Indian cricket in transition: Dravid’s legacy, Laxman’s arrival, and Surya’s captaincy debut!
On the heels of the final defeat to Australia, Dravid remained non-committal about his future. “I haven’t thought about it. I’ve just come off a game. I had no time to think about this and no time to reflect on this. Yeah, I will when I get the time to do that,” said Dravid.
Sources suggest that Dravid is no longer keen on the rigorous responsibilities of a full-time coach. Having travelled with the Indian team for nearly two decades as a player and coach, Dravid is looking to step back from the intense demands of the role.
The appointment of VVS Laxman as the designated head coach for the T20I series signals a new chapter for Indian cricket. Laxman, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career, now faces his biggest test in the upcoming T20 World Cup, leading Team India into the tournament as head coach for the first time.
See how fans have reacted:
Dravid ko ab aur ni rona hai ?
— ANANT ?? (@Akk_vk18) November 23, 2023
VVS might be good in Test but what about other formats ??
— Jethiya (@itzzz_me_2) November 23, 2023
Fair enough. We hardly won anything under him. The records are just not that great for Rahul to continue.
Not sure if Laxman is a perfect choice.
— Nitesh Chauhan ?? (@Nitesh_Chauhan7) November 23, 2023
Why don't they hire someone like Gary Kirsten again.
— kuldeep singh (@ksnaruka99) November 23, 2023
Jo kabhi jeeta nahi wo kaise jitaenge
— magnus neilsen (@kanhwald_jonas) November 23, 2023
Bcci ka sahi hai pehle kisi cricketer ko NCA ka head bna do phir usko coach bna do??????
— Aadi shukla (@Adityashukl123) November 23, 2023
Kabhi toh attacking bande ko lao yar
— Yash (@Yash281003) November 23, 2023
SRH era loading….?
— cricbust (@8_cricbust) November 23, 2023
