Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invited applications for the role with a deadline of 27th May 2024 for head coach for the men’s cricket team as Rahul Dravid’s stint will come to an end after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024, and if he wishes to continue, he would have to re-apply for the position, which he has reportedly denying so far.
This coaching role requires the coach to stay with the team for approximately ten months with the busy men’s team calendar.
As per reports, Rahul Dravid is ready to step down from the position regardless of the fact whether it ends with the T20 World Cup title or not and wishes to spend time with family.
As South Africa, Pakistan and England divide their coaching responsibilities between red-ball and white-ball cricket, the BCCI is still not to adopt a similar strategy because India do not have two distinct player groups for two formats.
BCCI also approach ex-Indian players for the position but they will have to fill the application form to stay in the race.
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As per reports, VVS Laxman would succeed Rahul Dravid in the role which he previously fill on a part-time basis last year.
But sources confirm that VVS Laxman is not in the mood to apply and will continue with the India ‘A’ team.
Australian cricketer Justin Langer is also in the race for the head coach position with Stephen Fleming, Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra.
BCCI has also meeting with IPL coaches and mentors in the hunt for a head coach.
Justin Langer ‘is curious’ and interested in coaching the Indian team but according to sources, Ricky Ponting had a meeting with the BCCI secretary Jay Shah and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Delhi in the first week of the month regarding the coaching position.
Ricky Ponting is currently associate with Delhi Capitals as head coach.
BCCI can also look up to Gautam Gambhir, who return back to his old franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after serving two years at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and has playing a important role in steering the side to back-to-back playoff finishes.
Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra has also shown interest in guiding the Indian team in the past.
As Rahul Dravid is ‘not interested’ in extending his role and VVS Laxman wants to stick with the ‘A’ team it is Ricky Ponting who is the front-runner in the race but the extensive ten months working load in away conditions will be the key point in his decision.
Also, Ricky Ponting was appoint as head coach of Washington Freedom ahead of the second season of Major League Cricket in the United States, which is set to start form 6th July 2024.
After the end of T20 World Cup, India will be travelling to Zimbabwe for a 5-match T20I series starting from 15th July 2024.
BCCI can also look for other options such as Stephen Fleming, who is the longest-serving coach in IPL for Chennai Super Kings.
Rahul Dravid, who was given a six-month extension after the 50-over World Cup 2023, has his contract expiring after the T20 World Cup 2024.
The former India captain, Rahul Dravid has the option of re-applying for the post.
