Ravi Shastri looked after the affairs of India cricket in the capacity of Team Director as it did not have a permanent coach. But with his contract expiring after India's campaign came to an end following Men in Blue's exit from ICC World T20 2016, the BCCI is keen to appoint former India captain Rahul Dravid as coach.
The BCCI-appointed advisory committee, which includes former Indian greats Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, have been given the responsibility of selecting a new coach. The Times of India report said the committee, which will meet Tuesday, has inquired about his availability for the senior team as he is the coach of the India U-19 team. India colts reached the final of the U-19 World Cup under Dravid.
"Rahul has said he will give it a thought," TOI quoted a source as saying. Though one is not sure if the player will agree to it, if he does, one could see the former India cricketer being handed a long rope, which could run until the next 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The youngsters could benefit in the team as Dravid can mould these players to play for India in the longer format of the game as well. His vast experience of playing international cricket will come in handy as well. Dravid knows some of the players like MS Dhoni, who also played alongside him, which could make his job easier as well.
However, the advisory committee seems to be working behind the scenes towards finding the best possible coach for India cricket. Laxman also approached former Australia cricketer Michael Hussey last year to take over the job of coaching India, but the Aussie politely declined, citing family reasons.
When the advisory committee will meet Tuesday, it could also have some other names on their list. With India having performed decently under Shastri, it could come as no surprise if he is handed the high-profiled job. Shastri also has the backing of India Test captain Virat Kohli, which might tilt things in favour of the former all-rounder.
Irrespective of who the committee decides to rope in as coach, India are set to have a permanent coach when they head over for the West Indies tour after IPL 2016.
