Just as Team India’s performance in the World Cup has left the nation hoping for an end to their ICC trophy drought since 2013, there is growing uncertainty over Rahul Dravid’s continuing as head coach after November 19.

Dravid, who succeeded Ravi Shastri in November 2021, ends his two-year contract after the quadrennial showpiece event.

There has been no discussion between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Dravid on the extension of his contract so far, but it is understood that the former India captain is not keen on making himself available.

Dravid wasn’t eager on taking up the high-pressure assignment of managing the India team citing family reasons, but it was on the insistence of then BCCI president Sourav Ganguly that he had finally relented. He had been more than happy with his task as National Cricket Academy (NCA) chief and looking after India U-19 and A teams, which allowed him to spend time in his hometown Bangalore.

Former cricketer VVS Laxman has since taken over as head of the NCA and also occasionally accompanies the national teams to provide Dravid a break.

“The focus has thus been on the World Cup. Dravid and (BCCI secretary) Jay Shah’s meetings in the lead-up to the World Cup have hinged on the team’s performance and what needs to be done to win the trophy. Any discussion on his role will take place only after the tournament ends,” a source told The Telegraph.

NCA head VVS Laxman, who performed India head coach duties in Rahul Dravid’s place during the series in New Zealand last November. Dravid had taken time off after the T20 World Cup in Australia. Getty Images

Having spent 16 years living out of a suitcase during his playing days, Dravid apparently doesn’t want to have another term. His son Samit too has been doing well at the U-19 level for Karnataka and hence wants to closely monitor his career.

A lot also depends on the BCCI’s thought process. If India go on to win the World Cup, there is sure to be pressure on Dravid to continue as head coach. Things could change dramatically if they fail to go the distance.

There is talk that the BCCI may go for split-coaching and Dravid may be requested to be in charge of the Test team.

“Dravid is extremely popular with the team for his amicable nature and technical acumen. His ability to communicate clearly with the players and provide clarity in their roles is commendable. His chemistry with Rohit is great and that bodes well for the team. The BCCI will also have to consider these things,” the source maintained.

But what happens if Dravid decides not to continue? Laxman will be an obvious choice to succeed him though a section within the BCCI wants Ashish Nehra to be put in charge of the limited-overs teams. Nehra’s contract with IPL franchise Gujarat Titans is till 2025.

India lost in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup and the final of the World Test Championship under Dravid, though he should be credited for taking the team to the No.1 ranking in all three formats of the game.