BCCI invites fresh applications for role of NCA Head, opens door for Rahul Dravid to replace Ravi Shastri as Indian team Head Coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for the post of NCA Head. And, this could mean that the BCCI might want the legendary Rahul Dravid to take over as the Head Coach of the Indian side from Ravi Shastri, freeing up Dravid from his NCA job.

It is to be noted that Ravi Shastri’s contract ends after the 2021 T20 World Cup. Dravid is already the Head of the NCA, and the BCCI inviting applications might mean that it might have bigger plans for Dravid in mind.

The BCCI invitation describes the role of the NCA Head. The invitation states that the NCA Head is responsible for the overall functioning of the NCA, and will also be responsible for the development of the cricketers in the Academy as well.

“The Head Cricket NCA will be overall responsible for running all Cricket Coaching programs at the National Cricket Academy, Bangalore (NCA). He will be responsible for the preparation, development, and performance of all cricketers attending training at the Academy. He will be singularly responsible for the development of emerging and youth cricketers within the male and female player development programmes who are sent to the NCA,” stated the invitation.

The roles and responsibilities of the NCA Head

The NCA Head will work with the National Team Head Coach in both Men’s and Women’s category, and will play a key role in the identification of training objectives. The NCA Head will further be responsible for monitoring the progress of the players and provide inputs as well.

“The remit may include, but not limited to India A sides, under 23, Under 19, Under 16 team players, as well as state association players who train at the NCA and upgrade skills at the NCA. Head Cricket NCA will work closely with the National Men’s and Women’s Head Coaches, & Cricket Coaches for India Developmental teams — including, India A, Under 19, Under 23, India Women’s teams in the identification of key training and development objectives.

He will also be responsible for monitoring progress against these objectives for the developmental teams and provide necessary inputs on the same to the Senior Men’s and Women’s Head Coaches. He will assist the National Men’s and Women’s Selectors- Senior and Junior, as well Coaches and Captains, coaches for India and India Developmental teams – including Under 19, Under 23 teams in spotting talent and developing them,” stated the BCCI invitation.

The invitation further stated that the person who is applying for the post of NCA Head should have represented India in a minimum of 25 Test matches, and should have an outstanding record as a cricket coach for a minimum tenure of 5 years in International or domestic cricket. The application also stated that the person who is applying should also have the experience of leading a multi-cultural team.

“Should have represented India in minimum 25 Test matches and an outstanding track record of cricket coaching for a min of 5 years of an International/India A/India U-19/India Women/IPL/team. Successful record in running high-performance programs, planning and monitoring, as well as designing and implementing player development plans and programmes in elite environments. A thorough understanding of the game or playing/coaching experience at the highest level. Must have the experience of leading or coaching a multi-cultural team,” concluded the invitation.

The last date for submitting the application is 15th August 2021.