- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 15 May 2024 02:41 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
T20I World Cup 2024: The Board Of Cricket Control In India (BCCI) earlier this month started accepting applications for the position of Indian Cricket team's head coach, which will be vacated in June after the expiry of current head coach Rahul Dravid's tenure. It is unlikely that Rahul Dravid will reapply for the post, however, nothing has been confirmed by BCCI or the former Indian player, known as The Wall. Meanwhile, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has also ruled out the possibility of having different coaches for different formats of the game, saying that the board is looking for just one candidate, "who will be spending almost ten months with the team for the next three years." The BCCI will be taking applications from interested candidates till May 27, which is just a day after the summit clash of IPL 2024 and there is a high chance that the board will appoint someone new. "Must be willing to meet work expectations and pressures associated with handling marquee athletes," the BCCI said while starting the application process.
Let’s take a look at some of the players who could replace Dravid as India's Head Coach:
VVS Laxman: He is one of the favourite contenders for this position. Laxman has been working as NCA’s head for the last three years and is keeping a watch on the next batch of young Indian cricketers at the NCA, like India A and India U19. He also coached the Men in Blue when Dravid was on leave. The team under him had participated in the Asian Games, a T20I series against Australia, England, New Zealand, and Ireland. Laxman with his experience and nature can close the gaps between the veterans and the youngsters in the Indian team.
Also Read: DC vs LSG IPL 2024 match report
Gautam Gambhir: One of the players who have performed consistently in the last decade and have witnessed formats getting changed, is Gautam Gambhir and his tactical knowledge can’t be ignored. He led KKR to two IPL titles and helped LSG qualify for the last two seasons. He is known for his management skills. Under his guidance, the Shreyas Iyer-led KKR has qualified for the playoffs this time as well. But the real question is will he apply for this position if the board doesn’t send him the application? The other major factor that could stop him from applying for the role is his nature- he is a very strong-minded individual who loves to have a free hand. Star batter Virat Kohli will also be playing for the national side for the next three years and both have a tumultuous relationship, so things can go south as well. But it should also be noted that skipper Rohit Sharma and Gambhir do share a great bond.
Also Read: Will Stephen Fleming become India's next head coach?
Justin Langer: The 2021 T20 World Cup and Ashes-winning coach is a great tactician but is also quite strict. During an interview, Langer admitted that he has given thought to being the coach of the Indian team but also realized that it could be mentally and physically straining. The same conditions also apply during the IPL, but it is just for two months. If Dravid doesn’t apply then there’s no one better than Justin Langer, who could share some insights from the Australian team.
Stephen Fleming: After working for almost 10 years with franchises like CSK, the former Kiwi cricketer’s name is always there in the discussion whenever BCCI invites applications for this position. Fleming has been content with working for CSK and is also their head coach of the SA20 franchise Johnas Seburg Super Kings. But he has declined BCCI’s offer in the past since he is not ready to stay away from his home for 7-8 months a year.
