Australia won the WTC trophy for the first time after beating India by 209 runs at The Oval, last week. Captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid have been left seeking answers after India lost yet another do-or-die match at an ICC event.
This is not the first knockout match that India have lost in an ICC event under the Rohit-Dravid era. India were ousted in the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup by eventual champions England. As India prepare to host the 50-over World Cup later this year, fans are concerned with their team’s disappointing performances in the knockouts of ICC tournaments.
The WTC final debacle has raised a lot of questions. Notably, a senior BCCI official has told them that internal discussions will take place to assess the indifferent results. While wholesale changes might not be seen, batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey might be under scrutiny.
“It’s not that simple. We can’t say they have not been up to the mark. We have won in India. Reaching the final of the World Test Championship is not a joke,” the BCCI official stated.
“But the performance overseas has not been satisfactory. At the same time, we have to consider the fact that we have a World Cup in four months’ time and we cannot have a knee-jerk reaction. But there will be internal discussions for sure,” a senior official was quoted as saying by the InsideSport.
Rahul Dravid to remain Head Coach as India look to win their third 50-over World Cup
Carrying the discussion further on the team management, the Indian head coach Rahul Dravid is going to continue till his contract expires after the impending 50-over World Cup in October-November.
“We have not had any discussion with Rahul. Of course, he will be the head coach till World Cup. Whether he stays on depends on him and the World Cup result. For now, there is no question about him,” the official added.
India’s next assignment is in the Caribbean in July. They take on West Indies in a multi-format series consisting of two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.