Rahul Dravid Will Not Extend His Contract As Indian Cricket Team's Head Coach, VVS Laxman To Take Command: Report

India's heartbreaking six-wicket loss to Australia in the World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad left a dent in India's near perfect campaign, led by the head coach Rahul Dravid.

A recent report by Times of India revealed that multiple sources within the BCCI have confirmed that Dravid, whose two-year contract ended with the World Cup, has opted not to continue in the role.

VVS Laxman, the head of the BCCI's National Cricket Academy is currently leading the Indian contingent in the T20Is 5-match bilateral series against Australia which is set to begin on November 23.

ALSO READ: Cricket World Cup 2023: Rahul Dravid Addresses Future As India Cricket Team Head Coach, Says 'Had No Time To Think’

As per the report, during the World Cup Laxman met with BCCI officials and is expected to sign a long-term contract as the new head coach of Team India. Laxman is no stranger to the Indian dressing room, having previously served as the interim head coach.

"Laxman has expressed his keenness for the job. During the World Cup, Laxman travelled to Ahmedabad to meet the BCCI's top bosses in this regard. He's likely to sign a long-time contract as the Team India coach, and will certainly travel with the team in that capacity for the upcoming tour of South Africa, which will be his first as the full-time India head coach," TOI quoted a BCCI source as saying.

Laxman's coaching stint included uiding men's Cricket team to Asian Games 2023 glory, overseeing the Indian team during the Ireland T20I series before the ODI World Cup and the subsequent Test match series against New Zealand following the conclusion of the 2022 T20 World Cup.

ALSO READ: 'You Have To Move On': Suryakumar Yadav On Facing Australia In T20Is After World Cup Final Heartbreak

It is expected that Dravid's decision not to continue as a full-time coach is driven by his desire to avoid the demanding travel and commitments associated with the role. However, he is open to sporadic coaching roles and is reportedly in talks with an IPL team for a substantial two-year contract.

Dravid's impressive two-year stint as head coach saw India reach the ICC Test Championship final, T20 World Cup semifinals, triumph in the Asia Cup, and reach the ODI World Cup final.

In India's tour of South Africa, the first T20I is scheduled for December 10, and Laxman is likely to lead the team in his first official capacity as the full-time head coach.