Rahul Dravid Non-Committal About Continuing as India Head Coach After World Cup

Ahmedabad: Team India succumbed to a 6-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia in the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup final, held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Despite entering the tournament as strong favorites, India’s batting struggles led to a below-par total of 240, which Australia comfortably chased down with seven overs remaining.

The loss marked India’s second defeat in an ICC final this year, following their setback against Australia in the World Test Championship in July. The team, led by Rahul Dravid, had an impressive run in the World Cup until the final, where they faced a tough challenge on a dry surface.

Travis Head emerged as the hero for Australia, smashing 137 off 120 deliveries in a match-winning performance. India’s quest for an ICC trophy continues, with their last triumph dating back to 2013 in the Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.

As the dust settles, attention turns to the future of Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach. Dravid’s contract officially concluded on November 19, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet outlined plans for the future. When questioned about his coaching future, Dravid remained non-committal, stating that he hasn’t had time to reflect on it.

The interim head coach for the upcoming T20I series against Australia will be VVS Laxman, the current head of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Laxman is reportedly considering applying for the head coach position.

Dravid, in his post-match media conference, expressed pride in working with the players over the last two years and refrained from self-analysis. He also evaded questions about leading the team in the upcoming T20 World Cup, emphasizing that his focus was solely on the recently concluded campaign.

Looking ahead, Dravid dismissed speculation about the next World Cup in 2027, stating that there is ample time for decisions and a lot can change in the cricket landscape before then. The immediate priority for the BCCI is expected to be the formal invitation of applications for the head coach position.