Indian cricket is on the brink of a major coaching shake-up, with reports suggesting that VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid are preparing to switch their roles. Rahul Dravid, who stepped down as India’s head coach after guiding the team to their historic ICC T20 World Cup triumph in the USA and Caribbean last year, has returned to the Rajasthan Royals as head coach.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Rahul Dravid stepped down from his role with the Royals after a disappointing IPL 2025 season, despite having signed a three-year contract with the franchise. Following Dravid’s departure from Team India in 2021, Laxman took over as the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru.
Now, with no active contracts with either the BCCI or any IPL franchise, Dravid is widely expected to reclaim his position at the NCA, which has been rebranded as the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Dravid’s career has been closely tied to India’s grassroots cricket structure.
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Having served as India A and India U-19 coach from 2015 to 2019, he played a crucial role in shaping young stars like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Abhishek Sharma. His return to the NCA is seen as a strategic step to continue India’s long-term vision, focusing on skill enhancement, injury management, and grooming the next generation of cricketing talent.
In a major development, former India batting great VVS Laxman is likely to return to the Indian Premier League in a coaching role, with sources indicating that Rahul Dravid will soon be back at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).https://t.co/j2Td1ErYEH#VVSLaxman #RahulDravid… pic.twitter.com/e7odadVCaD
— myKhel.com (@mykhelcom) September 2, 2025
Meanwhile, VVS Laxman, known for his calm demeanour and tactical acumen, is reportedly exploring opportunities to return to the IPL. Laxman, who served as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s mentor from 2013 to 2021, has been instrumental in developing young Indian players during his NCA tenure. He also stepped in as Team India’s interim coach on several occasions in Dravid’s absence. Sources suggest that Laxman is in advanced talks with an IPL franchise, though there is no confirmation yet on whether he will reunite with SRH ahead of IPL 2026.
An announcement regarding the reshuffle is expected soon as BCCI officials and IPL franchises finalise details. The move represents more than just a role switch; it signifies a calculated redistribution of expertise between India’s premier domestic cricketing structure and the IPL’s growing demand for elite coaching talent.
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This development highlights the evolving balance between nurturing India’s grassroots cricket system and the high-stakes environment of the IPL. If finalised, Dravid’s return to the NCA and Laxman’s transition to the IPL will mark a new chapter in Indian cricket’s leadership, bringing together two of the game’s sharpest minds in complementary roles.
