The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seeking a new head coach for Team India as Rahul Dravid’s tenure will conclude after the T20 World Cup 2024. If Dravid opts to continue, he would need to re-apply for the position, but reports suggest he has been reluctant to do so.
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The role of head coach entails accompanying the team for about ten months amidst their packed schedule. Dravid intends to step down from the role, irrespective of whether the team wins the T20 World Cup, in order to spend more time with his family.
BCCI On The Lookout
Unlike some other cricketing nations like South Africa, Pakistan, and England, where coaching responsibilities are divided between red-ball and white-ball cricket, BCCI is hesitant to adopt a similar approach due to India’s lack of distinct player groups for the two formats. The BCCI has approached former Indian players for the position, but they must formally apply to be considered.
Initial speculation suggested that VVS Laxman might succeed Dravid, as he had previously filled the role on a part-time basis in Dravid’s absence last year. However, it has been confirmed that Laxman is not interested in applying and will continue his role with the India ‘A’ team.
Former Australian cricketer and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer is among the contenders for the head coach position, alongside other veteran players such as Stephen Fleming, Gautam Gambhir, and Ashish Nehra. The BCCI has also been consulting with IPL coaches and mentors in their search for a new head coach. Langer has expressed interest in coaching the Indian team, while Ricky Ponting, currently coaching IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, has also been in discussions with BCCI officials regarding the coaching position.
Gambhir, who recently returned to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after a stint with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Nehra, the head coach of Gujarat Titans, have both expressed interest in guiding the Indian team in the past.
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