Rahul Dravid's two-year contract as head coach of the Indian cricket team came to an end with the conclusion of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 last Sunday (November 19).

While Dravid is yet to clear the air regarding his future plans, a report published in PTI claims that the 50-year-old engaged in an in-depth talk with the BCCI top brass about the possibilities surrounding his role as head coach.

However, the board itself is inclined to hand over the reins of the team to a new person bearing the T20 World Cup 2024 in mind. The person that board has in mind is VVS Laxman, the report stated.

"Rahul and the BCCI had a talk about where things stand now. We will respect the decision taken by him. The general feeling is that with the T20 World Cup about 7-8 months away, there is time for a new coach to come in and build a team and set a process. He (Dravid) is quite aware of that," a BCCI official close to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity.

"We are also talking about whether continuity (current coach/captain combination) is needed for the (T20) WC. We are hoping to reach a decision soon so that path forward is clear," he added.

Rahul Dravid was appointed as India’s head coach in November 2021. During his tenure, the team reached the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2023 and the final of the World Test Championship and Cricket World Cup.

Team India may have failed to win an ICC trophy, but the report suggests that the board is quite happy with the way Dravid managed the team along with captain Rohit Sharma.

The official hinted that all the stakeholders involved including Rohit, chief selector Ajit Agarkar will sit together soon to take a final call.

VVS Laxman, the current NCA chief, is considered a front-runner to succeed Dravid as India head coach but the official said they have kept their options open.

"Options are open (for head coach). He (Laxman) is familiar with the team, players and the methods. He also has experience working with the national team," he explained.

Laxman is currently playing the role of India head coach in the ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia. He has stepped in for Dravid in the past whenever the latter was given a break in between series.

(With PTI Inputs)