Earlie this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) started their hunt for the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Rahul Dravid is currently serving as the chief coach and his term expires after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA next month.
With multiple reports suggesting that Dravid is unlikely to re-apply, it seems likely that the Indian team will have a new coach at the helm post the T20 World Cup 2024.
Several leading names have popped up to succeed Dravid, including Ricky Ponting, with reports claiming that the former Australia skipper has been approached by the Indian board.
However, BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Friday (May 24) rubbished such reports, citing that no former Australian cricketer has been approached for the role of Team India's head coach.
Shah added that it is imperative for India's head coach to have in-depth knowledge of domestic cricket.
"Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect. Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks. It's crucial that our coach has an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket framework to truly elevate Team India to the next level," Jay Shah said in a statement.
"When we talk about international cricket, no role is more prestigious than that of the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Team India commands the largest fan base globally, enjoying support that is truly unrivalled. Our rich history, passion for the game make this one of the most lucrative jobs in the world. The role demands a high level of professionalism as one gets to nurture some of the best cricketers in the world and an assembly line of talented cricketers to follow. Catering to the aspirations of a billion fans is a huge honour and the BCCI will pick the right candidate, capable of propelling Indian cricket forward," he added.
Notably, Rahul Dravid was roped in as chief coach in November 2021 for a two-year term, which ended after the conclusion of the 50-over World Cup last year. However, he was given an extension along with his support staff till the T20 World Cup 2024.
The BCCI, in its advertisement, mentioned that the tenure of the next coach will be over 3.5 years - July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027. The deadline to submit an application is on May 27.
The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates.
(With ANI Inputs)
