Former India cricket coach Rahul Dravid has expressed his strong interest in taking on new coaching roles, even as he embarks on a new chapter as a franchise co-owner in the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL). Dravid, who led the Indian national team from 2021 to 2024, is a co-owner of the Dublin Guardians, one of the teams participating in the new European competition.
The 53-year-old, widely regarded as one of cricket's most astute thinkers, told BBC Sport that he would "certainly" be keen to continue his involvement in coaching if suitable opportunities arose. He highlighted the seasonal nature of the ETPL, which is scheduled to run for approximately a month later this summer, as a key factor allowing him flexibility. "This league is only a month in the year so I think that was the exciting part of it, to try and do something different for a month," Dravid explained, adding that the commitment frees up a significant portion of his year.
Dravid's comments come at a pertinent time for English cricket, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) actively searching for a new Test coach. This follows the recent decision to part ways with Brendon McCullum. The ECB aims to have a new coach in place before England's three-Test series against Pakistan, which is due to commence on 19 August 2026. While Dravid's involvement with the ETPL, set to be played from 26 August to 20 September with matches in The Hague and Dublin, could present a scheduling conflict, his availability and esteemed reputation could make him a surprise contender for the high-profile English role.
During his tenure as India's Test coach, Dravid oversaw 24 matches, securing 14 victories, suffering seven defeats, and drawing three. He also guided India to the 2023 World Test Championship final. His most recent coaching position was with the Rajasthan Royals for the 2025 Indian Premier League season, further cementing his experience in both international and franchise cricket.
The development of the European T20 Premier League, with prominent figures like Dravid involved, signifies a growing global interest in shorter formats of the game. For UK cricket fans, the prospect of an experienced and respected figure like Dravid potentially entering the fray for the England Test coaching job adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing search, promising a period of significant change and strategic decisions for the national side.