The heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 World Cup final appears to mark the conclusion of Rahul Dravid's eventful tenure as the coach of the Indian cricket team. The recently concluded World Cup final served as the last match with Rahul Dravid as the head coach, in line with the expiration of his two-year contract. Reports suggest that the legendary batsman has chosen not to extend his tenure as the head coach and has informed the Indian Cricket Board about his decision.
Several reports propose the potential replacement of Rahul Dravid with his friend and former Indian batter, VVS Laxman. The latter has previously served as the head coach of a second-string Indian team in Dravid's absence and on other occasions. While Laxman's capabilities as the head coach of the senior team are untested, the absence of Dravid from the management might not be ideal, especially with upcoming tournaments on the horizon.
Let us look at three major setbacks that the Indian team might face after the end of Dravid’s regime as Head Coach;
Almost won India a World Cup
Under Rohit Sharma's leadership, India displayed unprecedented dominance throughout the 2023 World Cup, showcasing meticulous planning and flawless execution on the field. Even on a rare off day, the stellar work of coach Rahul Dravid remained evident, as he assigned specific roles to each player for different phases of the game.
In addition to this, Dravid's composure during Hardik Pandya's injury exemplifies the hallmark of his coaching tenure, he didn't panic and stuck to the original plan.
Dravid gelled with Indian players pretty well
With the T20 World Cup just months away, replacing the coach may not be a practical option for the team. The former India skipper was himself well-versed in the strengths and weaknesses of each player, and would have provided significant benefits to the team through his efforts.
Introducing a new coach would necessitate starting from the beginning to establish rapport with the team, ensuring clear communication, coordination, and understanding of roles and team requirements.
Vision related to the team’s upcoming major tournament might be affected
As a coach, Dravid's visions for the team may go unfulfilled with his departure. Considering the upcoming India tour of South Africa in the World Test Championship cycle, the team, currently in a transitional phase, would have greatly benefited from Dravid's presence in the dressing room.
The 50-year-old has a talent for developing players from a young age, as evidenced by his success at the U-19 level, where many current IPL stars were discovered. Therefore, it would have been a valuable opportunity for Dravid to nurture the next generation on the national side.