Team India Head Coach Update: With Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Andy Flower decisively ruling themselves out of the running for the position of Team India's head coach, speculation has turned to other potential candidates. Notably, these are individuals who are currently holding notable coaching roles in various IPL franchises. This begs the question, who will take the reins after Rahul Dravid? Could it be a homegrown hero poised to take the helm?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initiated the application process for the new head coach position through social media on May 13, with a deadline set for May 27 at 6 PM. Amid this, the spotlight shines on who will secure this pivotal role. As it stands, Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a leading contender, and here we delve into the reasons why.
Source: aajtak
Gambhir's prospects are particularly noteworthy given the BCCI's direct approach, encouraging him to apply for the coaching role. Though Gambhir has yet to make a decision, his mentoring capabilities, evidenced by his impact on IPL teams, are undeniable. Under his guidance, Kolkata Knight Riders have delivered explosive performances, securing a spot in the IPL final, following up on their previous year's final participation.
Moreover, Gambhir’s previous role as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) saw the team reach the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023 during his tenure. This track record strongly suggests that any team Gambhir commits to in the IPL tends to exhibit remarkable performance.
Source: aajtak
Discussing other Indian cricket icons, Harbhajan Singh was also speculated to be in contention for the head coach position. However, he made it clear he would not apply. Names like Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman are also making rounds as potential candidates.
If Gambhir is to accept the position, he would need to relinquish his mentorship of Kolkata Knight Riders due to BCCI's conflict of interest rules as per their constitution, which stipulates that one individual cannot hold dual beneficent roles.
Source: aajtak
The tenure of India's new head coach will span three and a half years, starting from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027, accompanied by a support staff of 14-16 members.
Candidates for India's head coach should have played at least 30 Test matches or 50 One Day Internationals, or have served as the head coach of a Full Member Test playing nation for a minimum of two years. Alternatively, they should have a minimum of three years’ experience as a head coach of an Associate Member/IPL Team or equivalent international leagues/first-class teams/national A teams, or possess an equivalent BCCI Level 3 certification, with the age limit set under 60 years.
Justin Langer withdrew from the race, noting the exhausting experience with the Australian team over four years and acknowledging the intense pressure coaching Team India would entail. Similarly, Stephen Fleming's candidacy is doubted, with CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan citing Fleming's reluctance to be involved in coaching ten months a year on CSK's YouTube channel.
Despite their well-regarded coaching credentials, both Ricky Ponting and Andy Flower have declined the Indian head coach role. Ponting, concluding seven seasons with Delhi Capitals as head coach and having served as Australia's interim T20 coach, stated that the role does not suit his 'lifestyle.' Flower, too, enjoys his current engagement with franchise leagues and has no intention of applying, having recently joined the Australian team as a consultant during the 2023 Ashes series.
