Ravi Shastri vs Rahul Dravid for India's next coach?

After months of speculation and after several rumours, the post of India's coach might eventually be a tossup between Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri.

While Dravid has the backing of many cricketers, former and present, Ravi Shastri is reportedly planning to re-apply for the position. This might then be a two-horse race as both the contenders seem to be cut-out for the job.

Apart from these two, there are several names that have been doing the rounds. Be it Stephen Fleming of Mike Hussey or even Daniel Vettori.

While Rahul Dravid has won great accolades as the coach of the India U-19 team and the India-A team, Ravi Shastri has won the trust of both Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Shastri also enjoys a good relationship with many players in the team and his appointment will see a continuation of the team management.

Dravid, on the other hand, is an extremely judicious person and like his playing days a very hard-working person who just behind the scenes and allows the players to go ahead and express themselves. The performance of the India U-19 team in the U-19 World Cup had the stamp of Rahul Dravid all over it. Dravid also brings with him unparalleled knowledge. He enjoys an extremely soothing relationship with youngsters and this will hold the team in good stead going forward.

Ravi Shastri, on the other hand, is a boisterous and vocal characters who backs his players, and gives them the freedom on the field. If things do not go according to plan, he will be the first person to step out and take on all the criticisms. He has been a cricket broadcaster for a very long time and this helps him when it comes down to handling media and shielding his players from external pressure. And then he has success to show for all his efforts which include two-Test series wins against Sri Lanka (away) and South Africa (home). India also reached the World Cup semi-final and then the World Twenty20 semi-final. Apart from this, the players are very respectful of the man and appear to be comfortable when he is around.

If it does boil down to these two for the coveted post, the BCCI will be in a real fix. However, Indian cricket will only benefit if either one of them eventually get through.