With Rahul Dravid’s stint as India head coach set to end soon, here is a look at five potential contenders who can replace him in the top post.

Who will replace Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian team? (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun the search for the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team with Rahul Dravid’s stint set to end soon. Dravid’s current contract as the head coach of the Indian team will expire after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024 next month. The India legend is unlikely to reapply for the top post.

While Dravid’s former India teammate VVS Laxman, who is the current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) remains one of the favourites to take over the reins, several former cricketers are expected to throw their hats in the ring for the prestigious position. BCCI is also open to hiring a foreign coach which means many former greats might be in contention to replace Dravid.

Here is a look at top five contenders who can become India’s new head coach:

VVS Laxman

Former India batter VVS Laxman is the frontrunner for the top post. Laxman is currently the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru where he oversees the progress of the next generation of Indian cricket. Laxman has also served as a stand-in coach in Dravid’s absence on a few tours with the Indian team. Dravid was also working as the head of the NCA before becoming the India head coach.

Laxman also has significant experience behind his back as a coach. He served as a mentor for Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2013 to 2021 before stepping down from the post to join the NCA.

Tom Moody

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody is also among the leading contenders for the India head coach post. Moody has applied for the position as many as three times in the past but has failed to land the job. He has often expressed his desire to coach the Indian team. Moody has vast coaching experience and is known for his sharp cricketing acumen.

He served as the head coach of Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2007 and has also coached the likes of Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. SRH won their maiden IPL title in 2016 under Moody’s guidance. He has also coached Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League and the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League.

Virender Sehwag

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag applied for the India head coach post in 2017, just a few years after he retired from international cricket. Sehwag has previously expressed his desire to coach the Indian team but it remains to be seen if he will still be interested. One of the best opening batters of all time, Sehwag also served as a mentor for Punjab Kings in the IPL.

Justin Langer

Former Australia batter and ex-head coach of the Australian team Justin Langer is another strong contender for the post of the India head coach. Langer took over as the head coach of Australia following the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 and resigned from the role in 2022. He helped them win their maiden T20 World Cup title under his guidance.

Langer said he was ‘curious’ and will be deeply fascinated if he gets a chance to coach the Indian cricket team due to the sheer amount of talent in the country. He is currently serving as the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.

Mike Hesson

Former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson is also a potential contender for the post of India head coach. Hesson had applied for the role in 2019 but failed to land the job. He served as RCB’s Director of Cricket in the IPL from 2019 to 2023 but failed to guide the team to their maiden title.

Hesson did wonders during his stint with New Zealand and guided the Black Caps to the final of the ODI World Cup in 2015. He was lauded by many for maintaining an admirable culture in the team during his stay with the Kiwis and is regarded as one of the sharpest analytical minds in the game.