The search for India’s new head coach is in full swing, with several prominent names being considered to succeed Rahul Dravid. Among those reportedly in the running are Gautam Gambhir, Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, and Mahela Jayawardene. However, it appears there has been no formal communication between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and these potential candidates as of yet.
According to a report in The Times of India, the likelihood of Gautam Gambhir taking over as head coach has increased. BCCI officials are expected to meet with the former Indian opener in Ahmedabad, where he is currently involved with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL playoffs.
“There has been no formal communication with the potential candidates. All these coaches are biding their time and weighing options. But it seems Gambhir’s stocks have risen. It is likely that the board officials will speak with Gambhir in Ahmedabad where he is with KKR for the IPL playoffs,” a BCCI source told TOI.
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Addressing concerns about Gambhir’s past conflicts with senior Indian players, the source dismissed any issues, stating that Gambhir now has a good relationship with them. The well-documented on-field flare-ups between Gambhir and Virat Kohli seem to be a thing of the past. Recently, the two were seen hugging and engaging in a lively chat after a match between KKR and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a clip of which went viral on social media.
“If people are talking about Gambhir’s friction with Virat Kohli, it can be confirmed that the two have always got along well off the field,” the source added. “Even after the bust-up during an IPL match last year, the two were made to sit down and sort out any issue if they indeed had one.”
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Rahul Dravid’s contract with the BCCI ended after the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, he was persuaded by the board to continue at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite this extension, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has indicated that the door remains open for Dravid to reapply for the head coach position. Reports suggest that Dravid, however, may be hesitant to continue in the role, as he wishes to spend more time with his family.
As the BCCI deliberates on the next head coach, the cricketing world watches closely, eager to see who will take on this significant responsibility. The decision will undoubtedly have a substantial impact on the future direction of Indian cricket.
