Why Rahul Dravid should turn down role of head coach and focus on nurturing young cricketing talent

There are reports circulating that former India captain Rahul Dravid is a top favourite to take over as coach from Anil Kumble. Kumble, as reports suggest, is slated to become Team Director - a position that Ravi Shastri held until the World T20 last year.

The BCCI faced a lot of flak after Kumble was given a year-long contract as coach, with individuals saying that it was too short a period to coach the Indian cricket team. Having said that, promoting him to director is a good move because Kumble knows how to manage a side, which can be proved from his time as captain and coach of the team.

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (COA) is in favour of a major reshuffle in the coaching set-up and it is likely that the ongoing Australia series is going to be Kumble's last assignment as India's head coach. He is expected to take over the new role by April 14. Rumours suggest that Rahul Dravid is the favourite to become India’s next coach.

While several pundits and fans will be excited at the prospect at Rahul Dravid taking over the coach of the Indian team, the BCCI needs to think of other options. Dravid has been a successful coach of the Under-19 and India-A teams. And that's where someone like Dravid should stay.

Under Dravid’s coaching stint, the India U-19 side have also developed strongly. They entered the final of the U-19 World Cup while they have performed consistently. While it will be good for the Team India if Dravid does become coach, his knowledge and mentorship will be more appreciated by cricketers beginning their careers.

In an earlier interview with DNA, Dravid said, "The last one-and-a-half years have truly been an enjoyable experience. I think I've got to learn as much as anything else. I've got to see so many young talents in this country that have amazed me. Being a part of their journey has been very satisfying. However, even though you want them to succeed, you're always mindful of the fact that not all of them will get to represent the senior team. So, as long as they're here, you want to make sure that they have a good experience and learn something. And if you can do that, I guess there's not much more you can ask for."

A player representing the 'A' or the Under-19 squad is in an early stage of his career. This means that they need guidance from someone who is level-headed, motivational, and frank. Dravid falls in this category. He connects with the younger players, inspires them to do better, and will be a huge influence with regard to their on-field and off-field behaviour as professional cricketers.

Before these players take the plunge and play with the big boys on the grandests stage of them all - Test cricket - they need someone like Dravid as a mentor. These players will acknowledge that Dravid's role in their lives has been instrumental in their success as cricketers.

The new BCCI administration, too, will acknowledge this factor and while Dravid is in the list of coaches to help Team India, hopefully they may consider someone else.