Rahul Dravid as Team India's Head Coach? Here's Why 'The Wall' Let This Role Pass

He has been called an artist, a master, a true gentleman. Countless other accolades have and continue to define Rahul Dravid - arguably one of the best players that the world of cricket has ever seen. The pride of India and the envy of opposition, Dravid's subtle yet stylish approach inspired a generation.

Can it inspire the current crop of national cricketers? Sure. (Rahul Dravid in Advisory Committee 'Would Have Been Great': Kohli)

Does Dravid really need to coach them to inspire them? Not at all! (India in No Rush to Find Fletcher's Replacement)

Here's why:

Too Many Cooks Can Bring Down This Wall

Three legends as advisors, one all-rouder as Team Director, a batting coach, a fielding coach and a bowling coach. If the pattern continues, India will soon be able to field its support staff instead of actual players during matches. (Senior Players Backed Ravi Shastri as Director: BCCI)

No doubt having Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman as Team India advisors is a master-stroke. However, their roles have hardly been defined yet. Assuming they provide 'suggestions' on how to win overseas matches or on young talents that deserve a place in playing XI, how much of their word will be binding on the head coach? As individual players, the troika did script beautiful partnerships with Dravid but playing and coaching are completely different sides of the same game.

Then there is Ravi Shastri to -- possibly -- further invert the cricketing pyramid. He's the Team Director - or at least the Team Director for India's tour to Bangladesh. What are the chances of his word going up and against that of the 1) head coach, 2) batting coach, 3) bowling coach, 4) fielding coach, 5) advisor 1, 6) advisor 2 and 7) advisor 3. Even for a profound former cricketer of Dravid's class, that's one too many 'attacks' to defend against.

In a Batsman's World, What's Left for the Bowlers?

Dravid has played against an army of pacers and spinners. His knowledge about bowling and fielding tactics from his playing days would indeed be valuable. As coach though, his treasure trove of experience as a world-class technician would obviously help batsmen a lot more. (Dravid Needed for Restructuring Indian Cricket: Dalmiya)

Even if it isn't all that obvious, it is certain that a former bowler of repute can be of invaluable help to the youngsters in the side. Afterall, Indian batting has always been a force to reckon with and it was only recently - in the World Cup - that the bowlers showcased their killing abilities. What they need more is a commander to guide their charge rather than a tactician.

Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman - Too many cooks?

© AFP

Shuttling Between Roles can be Taxing

Only Dravid can truly reveal if he can do justice to multiple roles, if appointed head coach of Team India. He is the head mentor of Rajasthan Royals already. True, Tendulkar and Laxman are associated with IPL franchises as well, and Ganguly is a joint secretary in Cricket Association of Bengal. However, just as there are certain questions as to how the three would juggle between the roles - sources said BCCI chief Jagmoham Dalmiya was especially concerned about Ganguly's efficiency in CAB -- Dravid too will have to do the juggling act. (Dravid is The Perfect Man to be Team India Boss)

If Team India needs a coach at all, why not have someone who can devote all his time to the team? Not that Dravid is the kinds to cut corners but every renowned artist paints just one masterpiece at a time. And for the moment, it seems his canvas is the Rajasthan Royal side for whom he has done a decent job.

No Lights, No Camera, No Limelight - Just how Dravid Likes It

Vijeta - Dravid's wife - once famously said that if she packed just two sets of casuals for a tour, her husband would hardly notice but if his bat weighed a gram less, he would know immediately.

Yes, Dravid is quite the perfectionist when it comes to the cricket. Attention to the smallest of details is his hallmark and it makes for a fantastic coach. International coaching though is not just about polishing stars, grooming talents and inspiring men. It has its off-field demands, pressures, probes and glares.

After every series loss, the captain and coach are questioned as if being interrogated. Imagine someone of Dravid's nature being interrogated. Almost blasphemous, right? But then fans and media find many justifiable reasons to lash out and question - respectively - their heroes in moments of crisis.

Winning and losing is an integral part of cricket and even the most determined coach cannot guarantee an unbeaten run. To put Dravid in the line of fire after losses then, would be a tragic insult to his previous contributions as a player.

Also, no one can deny that the role of an Indian coach is behind the scenes. From Greg Chappell to Gary Kirsten and Duncan Fletcher - every India coach in recent past has made headlines for varying reasons. And Dravid just does not seem to be the kind who would want to be in the news but as coach, would he really be able to avoid it?

In conclusion, Dravid is a human manifestation of all that's good in cricket. Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle had once remarked that there is nothing more calming in the world than to see Dravid take guard. Why then would one want to take the zen away from this cricketing monk and throw him into the bustle of international cricket. After all, he can guide and advise from behind the scenes - if required - just as well as a designated coach.

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