England’s search for a new Test coach has thrown up an unexpected name. According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, former India head coach Rahul Dravid is among the candidates being considered by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following Brendon McCullum’s departure from the red-ball setup.
The development comes just hours after England ended McCullum’s four-year tenure as Test coach. While the former New Zealand captain will continue overseeing the white-ball teams, the ECB decided a fresh approach was needed in Tests after a disappointing run of results culminated in a 2-1 home series defeat to New Zealand.
Dravid’s name stands out on a shortlist that reportedly also includes former England coach Andy Flower, Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson, Kumar Sangakkara, Andrew Flintoff, Mike Hesson and Justin Langer. While Flower looks like a solid candidate, Dravid’s name has come to the fore as well.
Why Dravid is attracting England’s attention
Rahul Dravid’s record as the head coach was commendable, and that’s why England are interested.
During his stint as India’s head coach from 2021 to 2024, he oversaw one of the most successful periods in the team’s history. India became the first Asian side to simultaneously hold the No. 1 ranking in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Under his watch, India won the 2023 Asia Cup, reached the finals of both the ODI World Cup and World Test Championship, and finally ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup unbeaten.
Rahul Dravid’s record as India head coach
| Format | Matches | Wins | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 24 | 14 | 58.33% |
| ODIs | 53 | 36 | 72.00% |
| T20Is | 70 | 51 | 75.00% |
What England may value most is not just the trophies but Dravid’s reputation for building systems. Throughout his coaching journey, from India Under-19 to the senior side, he has been credited with developing players and creating clarity in roles.
That would represent a big contrast to the latter stages of the Bazball era, where England’s aggressive philosophy came under scrutiny. After winning 11 of his first 13 Tests under McCullum, England lost eight of their final 12, while defeats in India, Australia and against New Zealand exposed several flaws in the team’s approach.
Would Dravid actually take the job?
That remains the biggest question.
The report claims Dravid currently has “no desire” to return to full-time coaching. However, the England Test role could be different from previous international jobs. “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.
With fewer fixtures than an all-format position, it would allow him longer periods at home while still remaining involved in the format he has always cherished most.
Key Milestones Under McCullum
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment | Became England Test head coach in May 2022 |
| First 13 Tests | Won 11, Lost 2 |
| Historic Pakistan Tour | First-ever 3-0 Test series whitewash in Pakistan (2022) |
| 2023 Ashes | Recovered from 0-2 down to level series 2-2 |
| Overall Record | 27 wins in 49 Tests |
| Final 12 Tests | Won 3, Lost 8, Drawn 1 |
| Home Series vs New Zealand (2026) | Lost 2-1 |
| End of Tenure | Removed as Test coach in July 2026 |
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