The speculations regarding Team India’s next head coach have already started as Ravi Shastri’s term is due to end after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

Last week, it was reported that the BCCI might ask the legendary spinner Anil Kumble to apply for the chief coach post.

But as per the latest report, it is learnt that the idea of bringing Kumble back didn’t impress most of the board members and the BCCI is now looking to rope in a foreign coach.

“Well, neither Kumble wants to return, nor the BCCI officials, other than president Sourav Ganguly, are or were interested. The board is looking for a foreign coach now. Kumble knows that he will have to face the same old team members (Virat Kohli and others in the team), nothing new, then why would he return? And moreover Dada (Ganguly) has recommended his name but other officials expressed their disagreement on it," a highly-placed source in the board told IANS.

“VVS Laxman also will not be able to get the post. However, there’s still a month left, so let’s see what comes or some change of minds! Also look at Kumble’s record as coach, it is not that impressive. See what is happening with Kings Punjab in IPL," he added.

India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour is also reportedly planning to apply for the chief coach role.

Sources had also told IANS that Kumble might not accept the offer even if the BCCI approaches him and the post may go to some foreign recruit.

Notably, Kumble had served the team as head coach in 2016-17 after the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Sourav Ganguly had appointed him, replacing Shastri.

However, he quit as India coach in June 2017 under controversial circumstances, citing ‘untenable relationship’ with skipper Virat Kohli.

(With IANS inputs)