Rahul Dravid set to take over as England's Test head coach after Brendon McCullum's departure

Former India Men's head coach and batting stalwart Rahul Dravid has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant England men's Test head coach role. This comes less than twenty-four hours following Brendon McCullum's departure from the position on Sunday, July 12.

McCullum oversaw England through a four-year period during which they adopted a front-footed, all-out attack approach to their cricket. In 49 Tests under the former New Zealand captain, England won 27, lost 20 and drew two matches. Their recent results, though, were on a downward spiral, losing seven of their last ten Test matches, including a 4-1 drubbing in the winter Ashes in Australia, marred by multiple off-field drinking-related incidents. The final nail in the coffin was a 1-2 loss to New Zealand, which saw captain Ben Stokes announce his retirement during the Third Test at Trent Bridge. 

A report from the Daily Telegraph named Dravid as one of the options in the shortlist for potential replacements for McCullum. Dravid has led India to significant success, overseeing the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 along with appearances in the finals of the 2023 ICC World Test Championship and ODI World Cup. He is seen as a candidate due to his 'meticulous' approach and understanding of the game. The report, however, stated that the Indian great has no interest in returning to a full-time coaching role. 

"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," the report said.

Furthermore, it also stated that one of the leading candidates for the job was former coach Andy Flower, who is currently with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. Flower has been England's most successful coach in the modern era, taking the Test team to number 1 in the rankings and overseeing historic series wins in Australia and India.

He led the RCB to their maiden IPL crown in 2025 and oversaw its successful defence in 2026. According to Cricinfo, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is open to allowing their next coach to split duties with the IPL, pointing to explorations of Flower's return.

Other names in the list include Glamorgan coach and former England spinner Richard Dawson; Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara; England Lions coach Andrew Flintoff; Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson; and former Australian coach Justin Langer, who is currently coaching the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.