The reports claim that the BCCI is keen in hiring Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, and Mahela Jayawardene as head coaches. It’s interesting to note that all of the aforementioned names have rich positions with IPL teams, and it’s a major problem to have to travel with the Indian team for ten months out of the year till the next ODI World Cup in 2027.
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is reportedly keeping their options open given the deadline for applications to become the senior India men’s team head coach. It appears that the task of selecting a new head coach will be more difficult than previously believed.
However, Gautam Gambhir shares appear to have increased.
“There hasn’t been any official correspondence with the possible applicants. These coaches are all waiting and considering their choices. The Times of India was informed by an informed source that Gambhir will most likely speak with the board members when he is in Ahmedabad, where he is playing for KKR in the IPL playoffs.
“It can be verified that, despite any disagreements, Virat Kohli and Gambhir have always gotten along well off the field. The two were forced to sit down and resolve any disagreement, if there was one, even after their altercation during an IPL match the previous year, the insider continued.
Notably, the BCCI has never had to shortlist and select candidates since Anil Kumble replaced Ravi Shastri as head coach in 2016. With support from the then captain, Kohli, Shastri was the obvious pick between 2017 and 21. In addition, Rahul Dravid was promoted from NCA head in 2021 after being persuaded by BCCI representatives at the Dubai 2021 T20 World Cup.
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Things have changed significantly since then, though, as the BCCI needs to make some choices and select a head coach from the pool of applicants.