Explained: Here's why MS Dhoni cannot replace Rahul Dravid as Team India's next head coach

Rahul Dravid's term as Team India's head coach ended with the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The great Indian cricketer joined the coaching staff for a two-year contract in 2021. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has the option of reappointing him as head coach, the process requires that all procedures be followed. The first step in this process will be to announce the opening for the top coaching position, indicating a formal and open approach to the selection process.

3 things you need to know 

• Rahul Dravid was named the coach of the Indian Cricket Team in 2021
• India recently lost the ICC ODI World Cup final to Australia 
• Rahul Dravid’s contract as  the head coach of  Team India has expired

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Can MS Dhoni become the head coach of the Indian Cricket Team?

After Rahul Dravid's tenure as Team India's head coach ended after the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) started a formal procedure to fill the vacancy. The position will be advertised, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, and the next head coach will be named by the Cricket Advisory Committee.

If Rahul Dravid requests an extension, he will be interviewed. While fans await news on Dravid's future, VS Laxman has been named interim coach for the five-match T20I series against Australia.

Despite rumours regarding potential alternatives, it has been confirmed that MS Dhoni will not be appointed as Team India's next head coach. Dhoni is ineligible for the position of head coach even though he possesses the qualifications, experience, expertise, and skills listed in the BCCI's 2021 advertisement for the position. Despite Dhoni's retirement from international cricket, his continuous participation in the IPL, which has been confirmed until at least 2024, excludes him from taking on the national team head coach post.

Dhoni's role as Team India's coach for the 2021 T20 World Cup highlights the distinction. Dhoni's role as a mentor was part-time and did not constitute a full-time job. He was not compensated for his counsel, and his responsibilities were limited to providing advice rather than managing all aspects of the team. A head coach's role is distinct and requires a full-time commitment, with those in this position expected to be totally involved in their tasks. It is emphasised in the conclusion that Dhoni is not now qualified to serve as Team India's head coach and will be once he quits competitive cricket.

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Is it confirmed that MS Dhoni will play in the IPL 2024?

MS Dhoni has yet to confirm that he will be playing in the upcoming IPL 2024. He led the Chennai Super Kings to their fifth title earlier this year. In his last statement on the topic, he said that for the fans he will try his best to give one more year to cricket if his body allows him to play. Dhoni underwent knee surgery after the IPL 2023 final. It is anticipated that the former Indian skipper will wear the yellow jersey for one last time as a player next year.