Top five reasons why Rahul Dravid’s decision to step down as India coach could be disastrous

India head coach Rahul Dravid might step down after the ODI World Cup 2023 final. Team India lost the final in Ahmedabad to Australia by six wickets. This marked an end to what was a promising campaign for the Indian team. 

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VVS Laxman has taken over the reins as Dravid has been rested for the five-match T20 series against Australia which began on Thursday. It is expected that the 49-year-old, Laxman will sign on the dotted line and become the new full-team India coach. 

As per reports, Rahul Dravid is in talks with an IPL team over a huge two-year contract. In this article let us take a look at the five reasons Dravid stepping down could be disastrous for the Indian team. 

Lack of Continuity –

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This current batch of Indian teams has a mix of veterans and youngsters who need someone like Rahul Dravid at the helm. The 50-year-old could help in the transition process once the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hang up their boots. The Indian team wouldn’t want a repeat of the period from 2012 to 2014 when MS Dhoni had to go through a difficult transitional phase. 

Terrific backroom staff –

Vikram Rathour, Paras Mhambrey, and T. Dilip made the Indian team a terrific unit during the ODI World Cup. Each and every aspect of the game had clicked making India the best team during the course of the tournament. If the trio happens to leave it would mean a new support staff coming into play which would disturb the process put into place. 

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VVS Laxman’s lack of experience with the first team –

The likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have combined well with Rahul Dravid over the two-year period. Both batters have found their old form under the tutelage of the former Indian batting stalwart. With VVS Laxman there is a chance for continuity but it would also mean yet another adjusting period for the Indian batting core. 

New Coaching Set-up’s lack of away tour experience –

Team India is set to tour South Africa starting December followed by away tours of Australia in late 2024 and a tour of England in 2025. VVS Laxman and his team lack the experience that Rahul Dravid and his team had while playing away from home. This could come to haunt the Indian considering both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in their final few years at the top. 

Huge home series against England and T20 World Cup next –

India’s biggest challenge on the road to qualification for the 2025 World Test Championships is a home series versus England. Ben Stokes and his side had blanked Pakistan 3-0 not too long ago.

Team India has a proud home record which they don’t want to let go of. Rahul Dravid is known for his meticulous preparations and the England series would have been the best time for his coaching skills. Finally, Rahul Dravid’s presence is also needed for an assault on the T20 World Cup title next year to bring India the silverware that has been elusive for the last decade.