HIGHLIGHTS

• Rahul Dravid has reapplied for the role of NCA chief
• Dravid’s contract as head of cricket at NCA had come to an end
• BCCI had to invite applications since Dravid’s contract had ended

Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid has reapplied for the position of Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru. Dravid was recently appointed as the head coach of the Indian team that toured Sri Lanka last month to play the limited-overs leg and there were speculations that the Karnataka-born player would replace Ravi Shastri as India’s head coach, when the latter’s contract expires this year.

BCCI had to invite applications since Dravid’s two-year contract had ended. As per the new constitution, there is no provision for extension and the hiring process has to start afresh.

The deadline for the entry of applications was set on August 15 but the Indian board has extended the deadline to allow the room for candidates interested in the post.

“Yes, Rahul has reapplied for the post of Head of Cricket. You don’t need to be a genius to guess that he is going to continue after the tremendous work he has put in to change the face of NCA, which is now truly a centre of excellence,” a senior BCCI source privy to development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“In fact, as of now, save Rahul, there are no other prominent names of stature who have applied for the post.”

It has been learnt that the BCCI has decided to extend the deadline for submission of applications by a few more days to ensure that interested candidates get enough time to apply.

“BCCI brass has decided to extend the deadline from August 15 by a few more days. When Rahul is in fray, everyone knows that there is little meaning in applying for the post. It’s more of a formality but yeah to be fair, a few more days are there if anyone feels that he would like to throw his hat in the ring,” the source added.

Dravid after the tour of Sri Lanka had in a roundabout manner expressed his apprehensions about taking up a full-time role with the Indian team.

His reapplication at least confirms that he still wants to continue helping the national cricket team by creating a robust supply line.

Nagarkoti, Chakravarthy back in NCA

Injury-prone players Varun Chakravarthy and Kamlesh Nagarkoti are back at the National Cricket Academy along with Shubman Gill as the KKR trio are undergoing rigorous rehabilitation cum fitness test before they get an all-clear to play in the cash-rich Indian Premier League next month.

“Yes, Chakravarthy and Nagarkoti are here at the NCA doing their rehab cum fitness routines. I guess once NCA gives them the fit certificate, they will be flying with the rest of the KKR team to the UAE. Gill is still training here,” the source said. (INPUTS FROM PTI)