The wait is over! The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially opened applications for the coveted position of Head Coach for the Indian Senior National Cricket Team. With Rahul Dravid’s tenure ending later this year, fans are eagerly speculating on who will take the reins and guide the Men in Blue towards future triumphs.
This prestigious role comes with the responsibility of overseeing the team until December 2027, encompassing crucial ICC tournaments like the 2025 Champions Trophy and the highly anticipated 2027 ODI World Cup on home soil. While Dravid’s tenure saw commendable progress, reaching the semi-final of the 2022 T20 World Cup and the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, the elusive ICC trophy remained out of reach.
The BCCI has a tough decision to make. Each candidate brings unique strengths and experiences. Whether it’s the experience of Laxman, Ponting’s tactical genius, or the winning mentality of Langer and Gambhir, India needs a leader who can break the trophy drought and lead them to cricketing glory. Fleming’s calmness could also be a valuable asset.
The wait continues to see which of these worthy contenders will take the reins and guide India towards a brighter future. Here, we delve into the top 5 contenders who possess the experience, tactical nous, and leadership qualities to potentially fill Dravid’s shoes and usher in a new era of Indian cricket dominance:
#1 VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman, the elegant Hyderabadi batsman, emerges as the natural successor. His coaching experience at the highest level includes a stint with the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he played a key role in nurturing India’s future stars. Additionally, Laxman successfully steered the national team during Dravid’s absence and mentored Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, guiding them to the finals twice. However, recent reports suggest his potential reluctance to take on the demanding schedule associated with the Head Coach position.
#2 Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting, the Australian legend, needs no introduction. Renowned for his tactical acumen, Ponting’s coaching journey with the Delhi Capitals has been a resounding success. He has a proven track record of nurturing young talent, having played a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ 2015 IPL title win. His existing rapport with Rishabh Pant and the young Indian core makes him a compelling choice. Perhaps under his guidance, India’s trophy drought could finally end.
