From the time the Indian cricket team has entered the Virat Kohli era, the transition has been seamless and efficient. Taking the Men in Blue from strength to strength, the modern maestro has left no stones unturned to cling major coveted silverware across the world. But it will be a profound injustice if we ignore the contribution of the unsung heroes of the Indian cricket team.

Head coach Ravi Shastri, along with his behind-the-scenes compatriots, remains a vital cog in the team’s machinery. Talking about Shastri, he has been a key player in pushing the cricketers in the right direction.

Under his tenure, India defeated the Aussies in their own backyard in the 2018-19 series. Moreover, the tri-colour cemented its position in the semi-finals of the World Cup 2019 held in England and Wales.

Gripping the philosophy of pulling-no-punches, the veteran Indian cricketer matches the wavelength of an aggressive Virat Kohli. On that note, let us assess the top 5 contenders of the venerable post from the cricketing fraternity.

Here’s is a list of 5 coaches who can grab the position of India’s head coach after Ravi Shastri: –

1. Rahul Dravid

The Karnataka-based cricketer broke into the national scenes and ruled the roost for over a decade. The wall of Indian cricket has talent written all over his name. He drew curtains to his illustrious career after amassing 13,000 odd runs in the longest format and 10,000 odd runs in the limited-overs formats of the game.

The NCA head has given his heart and sweat out to seal some crucial matches single-handedly. Eventually, he decided to get his hands on administrative as well as coaching activities in the second innings of his life. The former Under-19 head coach has tons of experiences going into his favours.

Under his direction, the Prithvi Shaw-led team triumphed the coveted prize in New Zealand. Hence, his potential remains unmatched and unrivalled. Subsequently, Rahul Dravid pitches his candidature to the Indian team’s top spot on the back of serious cricketing achievements during his reign.

It is yet to be seen whether the talisman unwinds similar magic in the senior team amidst huge pressures disseminating from across the arena.

2. Tom Moody

The Australia-based cricketer rose up the ranks with his wits and sharp brains. Tom Moody played a pivotal role in setting the momentum for the Kangaroos with both the ball and bat. In 76 ODI appearances, he produced 1,211 runs laced up with 10 fifties.

Talking about his post-retirement plan, the veteran premier batsman has a long association with training youngsters and has donned the hat for various international teams post his retirement in 2001. Besides, working with multiple franchise-based teams in the T20 leagues across the globe, the 55-year-old has coached Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The orange army won the 2016 edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

Hence, he may get an upper-hand over others for his mesmerizing achievements in the field of tutelage. The right-hander will need to fight against a plethora of odds in order to bag the top spot.

3. VVS Laxman

The Hyderabad-born cricketer tasted success on the backdrop of various struggles back in the initial days. However, VVS Laxman upped his ante and cemented his position into the team as a mainstay who can turn the tables single-handedly. His 281-run knock against the Aussies at the iconic Eden Gardens in 2001 will forever be etched in the cricketing annals.

Later, he decided to don the coach’s hat post-retirement. In IPL, he has featured as the batting coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Eventually, it has helped the team impressively in the most important department of the shortest format of the game. With his performance during his cricketing days coupled with coaching prowess, VVS is hailed as a fine prospect for the coach of the Indian cricket team.

It will be exciting to see whether the 46-year-old passes the most difficult test if a chance is bestowed upon him in the coming years.

4. Trevor Bayliss

Trevor Bayliss represented Australian cricket during his playing days. The elegant stroke-playing middle-order batsman and brilliant cover fielder did not get the desired limelight earlier in the days. It was as a coach that he made his mark.

Bayliss took over from Steve Rixon as New South Wales coach in 2004-05. He experienced immediate success by guiding the side to the Sheffield Shield title and backing it up the following summer with the limited-overs trophy. Moreover, he has the experience of coaching England and Sri Lanka cricket teams.

He achieved the biggest laurel when he guided the Three Lions to the World Cup trophy in 2019 at their homeland. Given a fair chance to him, the 58-year-old will ensure to take the team to unprecedented heights. He will cherish to put his coaching skills to test when given one of the world’s most difficult jobs.

5. Mahela Jayawardene

The Sri Lankan cricketing giant has been one of the finest match-winners who can snatch matches from the jaws of defeat. Mahela Jayawardene has a scorecard speaking on behalf of him. His tally reads out 11,000 odd runs in red-ball cricket and 12,650 runs in the ODI format of the game.

Needless to say, the right-hander was the backbone of the Sri Lankan batting unit. Later, he padded up for the second innings of his life as a coach. The job calls for prime responsibility coupled up with accountability. The 43-year-old has shown some glimpses of brilliance over the years coaching the five-time champions Mumbai Indians.

Under his guidance, the Rohit Sharma-led side registered the fifth trophy in the 13th edition of the IPL. Hence, Mahela’s name remains on cards and can be tested for the top-brass position. Time will speak whether his practical skills laced up with knowledge and team management prowess impresses the eyes of Indian selectors at the Indian cricket governing body, BCCI.