The BCCI started its hunt for the head coach of the Indian cricket team last month. Rahul Dravid is currently serving as the chief coach and his term expires after the conclusion of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
With Dravid categorically stating that he will not apply for the job owing to the schedule of the national team, it is certain that the Indian team will have a new coach at the helm post the marquee event.
Having mentored Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL 2024 title, former India opener Gautam Gambhir is considered as front-runner for the high-profile post.
While the Indian board is yet to clear the air, a report published in TOI claims that Gambhir is set to be interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for the head coach role at 12 PM via Zoom on Tuesday (June 18).
The CAC, comprising of former cricketers Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe, and Sulakshana Naik, has the responsibility of interviewing candidates not only for the head coach position but also for a selector role to replace Salil Ankola.
The BCCI, in its advertisement, had mentioned that the tenure of the next coach will be over 3.5 years - July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027. The deadline set to apply for the post was May 27.
According to the report, Gambhir presents a unique candidate profile as he is the sole applicant for the India head coach role.
Meanwhile, legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble has expressed reservations over Gautam Gambhir’s potential appointment as chief coach of the national side.
"You have to give it time. He certainly is capable. We have seen Gautam handle teams. He has been a captain for India, for his franchise, for Delhi. He has all the credentials to be that. But the Indian team's coaching is slightly different, you have to give him time to settle in. Like I mentioned, in case he takes up the job, he will have the task of looking at not just the current lot, but also the future of Indian cricket," Kumble told ESPNCricinfo.
Gambhir may be the only candidate for the head coach post, his interview with the CAC won’t be just a formality. It will a critical stop to determine whether Gambhir's vision aligns with the future direction of Indian cricket.
(With TOI Inputs)
