Rahul Dravid, Ravi Ashwin Linked to England Test Coach Job After Brendon McCullum Exit
Indian cricket stalwarts Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin are reportedly in contention for the England Test head coach job following Brendon McCullum's sacking by the ECB on July 12, 2026. Dravid, whose India contract ended in June 2024, is a strong candidate, while Ashwin's link, despite limited coaching experience, has emerged from recent speculation.
A shift in English cricket leadership has opened the door for two of India's most respected cricketing minds, Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin, to potentially take the reins of the England Test team. Brendon McCullum was sacked as England's Test head coach by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday, July 12, 2026, signaling a desire for a fresh direction following a string of disappointing results. Brendon McCullum Sacked as England Men’s Test Head Coach; ECB Retains White-Ball Role.
McCullum's four-year tenure, which famously ushered in the 'Bazball' era of aggressive Test cricket, concluded amidst a challenging period for the red-ball side. This includes a 4-1 Ashes series defeat in Australia and a recent 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand. Adding to the shake-up, Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket last month, leaving the ECB with a dual leadership void to fill.
Rahul Dravid's Distinguished Profile
Rahul Dravid, the 53-year-old former India head coach, has quickly emerged as a prominent candidate on the ECB's shortlist. "The Wall" of Indian cricket, who led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and the 2023 World Test Championship final, is reportedly being considered for his meticulous approach and deep understanding of the longest format. Dravid's contract as India's head coach concluded in June 2024, making him a free agent. While reports suggest he has "no desire" for a full-time coaching role that demands extensive travel, the England Test job, with its potential for extended periods at home, could reportedly appeal to his interest in preserving the Test format.
After his stint with the Indian national team, Dravid also briefly coached the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, parting ways with the franchise in August 2025. MS Dhoni or Hemang Badani? Who Will be CSK's New Coach As Stephen Fleming Resigns?
Ravi Ashwin's Surprise Link
In a more speculative turn, 39-year-old Indian off-spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has also been linked to the England Test coach position. Reports indicate that the England and Wales Cricket Board may have engaged in preliminary talks with Ashwin during his recent Major League Cricket (MLC) stint in the USA, where he represented the San Francisco Unicorns. Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, is renowned for his exceptional cricketing acumen and tactical brain. However, his official coaching experience at a senior level remains limited, with his most notable recent appointment being a mentor and captain for the Dublin Guardians in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026. This lack of extensive coaching background makes his potential appointment a surprising, albeit unverified, rumour.
Other Contenders
The ECB is expected to move swiftly, aiming to appoint a new head coach before England's three-match Test series against Pakistan in August and September. Other prominent names circulating for the role include former England coach Andy Flower, Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson, former Australia coach Justin Langer, and England Lions coach Andrew Flintoff.
Key Candidates for England Test Head Coach
| Candidate Name | Age (as of July 13, 2026) | Noteworthy Experience | Current Status/Role | Reported Interest in England Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahul Dravid | 53 | Former India Head Coach (2021-2024), T20 WC 2024 winner | Available, coached Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2025) | High, but prefers non-full-time |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 39 | Retired India International, mentor for Dublin Guardians (ETPL 2026) | Available, minimal senior coaching experience | Speculative |
| Andy Flower | 58 | Former England Head Coach (successful Ashes wins) | Active in franchise cricket (e.g., IPL) | Strong contender |
| Richard Dawson | 45 | Glamorgan Head Coach, ex-England spinner | Glamorgan Head Coach | Strong contender |
The search for a new Test head coach is a critical step for England as they look to rebuild after a challenging period and prepare for the home Ashes in 2027. The coming weeks will reveal who the ECB entrusts with the monumental task of steering England's red-ball cricket back to consistent success.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2026 01:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).