Several contenders are in the race to replace Rahul Dravid as Head Coach of India’s senior national cricket team. Feelers from sources in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suggest that Dravid will not be India’s coach after the T20 World Cup 2024.
Let’s explore some of the top names suggested to become India’s new coach after Dravid leaves his role.
Ricky Ponting – Australia
Unconfirmed rumours from different quarters claim that veteran Ricky Ponting is in the run-in for Indian cricket’s top job. Ponting once revealed that the BCCI had interest in his services before hiring Rahul Dravid. He could be set to take over from the current head coach if hiring officials fancy his services.
Stephen Fleming – New Zealand
Five (5) IPL titles as a coach will put you in any conversation for a top job, and that’s where Fleming is right now. The seasoned coach and serial winner retired in 2009 and has become much of a phenomenal gaffer after his playing career.
Fleming has been part of the Chennai Super Kings franchise for several seasons, helping the franchise snatch five IPL titles so far. His coaching prowess and man-management potential saw the Chennai-based side win a title in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. He also has long coaching stints in the USA, South Africa, and Australia.
Gautam Gambhir – India
Gambhir has had a huge mentorship role since his retirement from professional cricket. His success as a player with two World Cup titles does a lot to boost his profile. Gambhir has also made a name for himself outside international cricket, leading the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two titles in three years (IPL 2012 and IPL 2014).
Gautam also has success in several leadership roles at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and KKR. The BCCI may appoint Gambhir to take over from Dravid; however, nothing is confirmed as things stand.
Justin Langer – Australia
The current LSG coach is also in conversations among analysts for Dravid’s potential replacement. Langer has seen success at different levels of team management and was once head coach of Team Australia.
Justin served in several interim and full roles in the Australian management setup before moving to the IPL. The seasoned gaffer also coached franchises like the Perth Scorchers (PESC) and Western Australia (WEAU) before his current role.
Mahela Jayawardene – Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has an experienced batter in Mahela and he has recently become one of the top names in coaching circles. There are rumours that he is on the BCCI shortlist for Dravid’s replacement; however, these remain unconfirmed.
However, there are strong indications from the interior conversation circle about Mahela’s suitability for the job. Mahela was once considered for the role before Dravid secured his current position after Ravi Shastri stepped down.
The Sri Lankan batting ace turned tactical genius has already proven himself in coaching circles. He was in the thick of things as Mumbai Indians (MI) secured an IPL title in 2017 in his first season in charge. Two more IPL titles in 2019 and 2020 cemented his status as one of cricket’s top coaches in the modern era. He also has one The Hundred title to his name as a professional gaffer.
Some sets of fans will prefer Jayawardene for this role seeing his close relationship with several talented Indian cricketers. His working relationship with MI players like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya could play to the national team’s advantage.
Mahela is a seasoned man manager and can deliver massive experience from his full coaching and consultancy roles to India.
Ashish Nehra – India
India has no shortage of coaching talent and it seems Ashish Nehra is a top option to replace his compatriot. The former Team India pacer has been touted for India’s top coaching role in the past. Nehra once voiced his desire to become Team India’s head coach and has proved his credentials so far with the IPL’s Gujarat Titans (GT).
Nehra led the GT side to their first-ever IPL title triumph as a debut side in 2022. He also guided the debut champions to another final berth in 2023 where GT lost to an experienced Chennai Super Kings (CSK) side by a slim margin.
Three years has passed since Nehra publicly commented about his dream to be India’s cricket team coach. Some sets of fans may prefer the mercurial bowler for his vast experience as a player and post-retirement exploits as a coach.
