BCCI has called for applications for the position of Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, a role currently played by former Indian captain Rahul Dravid.
Dravid, who played an important role in building India’s rich bench force, was appointed Chief Cricketer in July 2019 after working extensively with junior players as an Indian U-19 and A coach.
His two-year contract ended and according to protocol, BCCI invited applications. Dravid is likely to reapply for a two-year extension. The deadline to apply is August 15 (until 11:59 p.m.).
“Rahul Dravid may well apply for the job again, but with Ravi Shastri’s tenure ending in November 2021 after the T20 WC, it is entirely possible that Rahul will be elevated to the post of head coach. At the end of the day, it’s really part of the system, “a BCCI source told PTI.
Dravid recently went to Sri Lanka as head coach of India’s limited-overs squad with the Test side in England at the same time.
After the conclusion of the six games in Sri Lanka, he was asked if wanted to be India head coach on a long-term basis but he was non-committal on the high-profile subject.
“I haven’t really thought anything far ahead, to be honest. I am enjoying doing what I am doing,” he had said.
The current age limit set for the head coach is 60 years, as the NCA head role, and Shastri turned 59 in May. Dravid might come into the picture if India doesn’t do well in the T20 World Cup.
India is yet to win a major event under Kohli and Shastri’s partnership but has done well as a Test side, highlighted with their two-away series wins in Australia.
“The Head Cricket NCA will be overall responsible for running all Cricket Coaching programs at the NCA. He will be responsible for the preparation, development, and performance of all cricketers attending training at the Academy,” read part of the NCA head job description on the BCCI website
“He will be singularly responsible for the development of emerging and youth cricketers within the male and female player development programs who are sent to the NCA.
“The remit may include, but not limited to India A sides, under 23, Under 19, Under 16 team players, as well as state association players who train at the NCA and upgrade skills at the NCA,” it added.
