Mark your calendars! The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is set to ignite excitement from June 1 to June 29 in the USA and West Indies. Coinciding with this cricketing extravaganza, Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach of Team India is drawing to a close. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already called for applications for a new coach. Dravid is eligible to reapply, but reports indicate that he has no intention of seeking an extension in this role, having made up his mind quite some time ago to not prolong his coaching stint with the team.
In the midst of swirling rumors, it was speculated that the BCCI had reached out to former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer for the coaching position. However, it turns out those were just that—rumors. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has clarified that the board has made no such contact with any Australian cricketer.
BCCI Will Choose the Right Candidate: Jay Shah
'The role of the Indian cricket team's head coach is one of the most revered in international cricket. Team India boasts a global fan base that provides unparalleled support. Our rich history and passion for the game make it one of the most coveted jobs in the world. The role demands exceptional professionalism. It's a great honor to fulfill the aspirations of a billion fans, and BCCI will choose the right candidate capable of advancing Indian cricket,' stated Jay Shah. He further assured, 'Neither I nor the BCCI have been in contact with any former Australian cricketers. Reports circulating in certain media sections are entirely false. Identifying the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and intensive process. Our focus is on identifying individuals with a profound understanding of Indian cricket's structure and those who have risen through the ranks. It’s crucial that our coach has an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket infrastructure to truly take Team India to the next level.'
New Coach to Have a 3.5-Year Tenure
The BCCI officially opened applications for a new head coach on Monday (May 13). They had initially appointed Dravid as the coach up to the 2023 ODI World Cup, but later extended his tenure to the 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by America and the West Indies from June 1. Before the championship begins, however, the BCCI has initiated the process to find a new coach. The tenure of the new head coach will span 3.5 years, from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. Additionally, the chosen head coach of the Indian cricket team will be supported by a team of 14-16 staff members.
Gautam Gambhir is currently leading the race to become Team India’s head coach. However, if Gambhir is to take up the role, he would have to let go of his mentoring position with Kolkata Knight Riders, as per BCCI regulations that clearly state an individual cannot hold two positions of benefit simultaneously, as it would result in a 'conflict of interest'. This stipulation is highlighted under clause 85 of the BCCI constitution.
Conditions to Become Team India’s Coach
- A minimum of 30 Test matches or 50 ODI matches played, or head coach of a full member Test playing nation for at least 2 years. - Or head coach of an Associate Member/IPL team or equivalent international league/first-class team/National A team for a minimum of 3 years. - Or should hold a BCCI Level 3 Certification or equivalent, and be under 60 years of age.
Langer-Ponting on Coaching Team India
Justin Langer commented on the BBC's Stumped podcast, 'It's a wonderful job, but I have distanced myself from it. I did it with the Australian team for four years. Honestly, it’s exhausting.' Ricky Ponting, head coach of the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals declined the offer, stating it didn’t fit his 'lifestyle'. Recently completing seven seasons with Delhi Capitals, Ponting has also served as the interim T20 coach for Australia in the past.
