![ECB have shortlisted Rahul Dravid to replace McCullum [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1783917695875_ECBhaveshortlistedRahulDravidtoreplaceMcCullum.jpg?type=hq)
ECB have shortlisted Rahul Dravid to replace McCullum [Source: AFP]
On Sunday, the England Cricket Board (ECB) decided to part ways with the Test team head coach, Brendon McCullum, following the team’s embarrassing 1-2 series defeat at home against New Zealand. The heavy defeat means the Three Lions currently languish in seventh place in the WTC points table and have little to no chance of qualifying for the final.
McCullum was appointed the England Test team coach in 2022, and after a four-year stint, he was removed from the post. However, the Kiwi legend will continue to coach the England white-ball teams.
After McCullum’s not-so-shocking exit, several big names have emerged to replace him as the Test coach, and one of them is India’s very own, Rahul Dravid.
Rahul Dravid shortlisted to replace Brendon McCullum
According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, the England Cricket Board has shortlisted several candidates, and one of them is India’s World Cup-winning coach, Rahul Dravid. The legendary batter served as India's coach till the 2024 T20 World Cup, and under his guidance, the Men in Blue captured their second T20 title.
Dravid is seen as a perfect candidate to replace Brendon McCullum due to his meticulous planning and deep understanding of the game.
However, the Daily Telegraph reported that Dravid has no interest in coaching full-time, which could put England in jeopardy.
"Dravid has no desire to coach full-time, but the England Test job would allow him extended periods at home and the chance to help keep alive his favourite format of the game. England, at the very least, should gauge his interest," according to the report.
Dravid's illustrious CV as India coach
Following India’s shocking group stage exit in the T20 World Cup 2021, the BCCI decided to replace the outgoing Ravi Shastri with Rahul Dravid. The 53-year-old had a great rapport with the senior players, and it also reflected in how the team performed on the field.
Also Read: Brendon McCullum Allows England Players To ‘Drink’ After India Win
Under his guidance, the team became number one in the T20I format, and the position was held up until July 2026. He guided the team to a semifinal place in the T20 World Cup 2022, and India also managed to reach the final of the 2023 World Cup at home.
In 2023, India reached the WTC final, but the Asian giant was defeated by the Australian team. However, right before Dravid’s tenure ended, India finally managed to cross the final hurdle as they captured the T20 World Cup title in 2024.
Other candidates to replace Brendon McCullum as England Test coach
The Daily Telegraph reported that apart from the Indian legend, there are several other prominent candidates to replace McCullum. Former England coach and the current RCB head coach, Andy Flower, is the front-runner.
The Zimbabwean has had a successful stint with RCB in the IPL, as he helped them capture back-to-back titles. Moreover, he has been the most successful England coach in the modern era, having led the Three Lions to three Ashes wins and a number one Test ranking.
Former England spinner Richard Dawson, the current Glamorgan head coach, is also shortlisted by the ECB, and apart from the duo, the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Andrew Flintoff, and Pakistan coach Mike Hesson are also on the radar.
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