With the application deadline for the senior India men’s team’s new head coach looming, reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is approaching the task with caution, keeping their options open amidst a potentially challenging selection process.
Sources indicate that Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, and Mahela Jayawardene have caught the BCCI’s attention as potential head coaches. However, the allure of these candidates’ current roles within IPL franchises adds complexity to the decision-making process. The prospect of committing to traveling with the Indian team for approximately 10 months per year until the next ODI World Cup in 2027 presents a significant logistical challenge.
“There has been no formal outreach to the potential candidates yet. They are all assessing their options and waiting for developments. However, it appears that Gambhir’s candidacy is gaining traction. There may be discussions with Gambhir during his time with KKR for the IPL playoffs in Ahmedabad,” a source familiar with the matter revealed to The Times of India.
Addressing rumors of friction between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, the source clarified that any reported issues between the two have not affected their relationship off the field. Despite a publicized disagreement during an IPL match last year, the duo reportedly resolved any differences amicably. Unlike the 2016 scenario when Anil Kumble was selected over Ravi Shastri as head coach, leaving no need for deliberation, the current situation presents a more complex decision-making process for the BCCI. Shastri enjoyed a clear mandate from 2017 to 2021, backed by then-captain Kohli. Additionally, Rahul Dravid’s transition from National Cricket Academy head to head coach in 2021 was facilitated by BCCI officials during the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai.
However, the current landscape presents new challenges for the BCCI. With a pool of candidates to consider, the board faces the task of selecting a head coach from this list, necessitating careful consideration and decision-making.
