Rahul Dravid tipped to replace Anil Kumble as India head coach after Australia series

New Delhi: In a big developing story, Rahul Dravid has been tipped to replace Anil Kumble as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Reports emerged on Saturday that Kumble, who was given the role of head coach last June on a year long contract, is likely to be promoted as the Team Director, which was previously held by Ravi Shastri in the absence of a regular coach.

A report in The New Indian Express claimed that Kumble met the court-appointed committee of administrators (CoA) to decide on the matter.

It also reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is mooting changes in the coaching hierarchy, and is ready to give Kumble a bigger role which will cover senior, A side, junior as well as women’s teams.

READ: Is Dravid REALLY going to replace Kumble as head coach? Here's the truth!

It's worth noting that England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has a similar structure in placed, with Andrew Strauss at the helm of things.

“We need to move ahead with the times and that is why these structural changes are looked at. If it happens, Indian cricket will benefit, as one person will handle all the teams and there will be better coordination between all concerned. The plan is already in place and there is a strong possibility that when new contracts are given out, these changes will be made,” the report quoted one of the sources from the Indian cricket board saying.

If such a step is materialized, Dravid is expected to be promoted as the coach of senior team. He is currently the coach of India A and U-19 teams.

“It is too early to say whether Kumble will take up the role or not. Being the coach and Team Director (with new responsibility) is no easy thing as it needs a lot of dedicated time. The amount of cricket we play might burn him out. If he doesn’t, we need the back-up as we can’t let the team getting affected, particularly with the Champions Trophy coming up,” the source further added.

It further claimed that the ongoing India-Australia series could be Kumble's last assignment as head coach. He is likely to be given the the role as early as April 14.