Former India opener Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday (June 18) was interviewed by the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for the head coach role of the Indian men's cricket team.
According to a CricketNext report, Gambhir attended the call virtually from his residence and was one of the two candidates interviewed by the CAC, consisting of former cricketers Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe, and Sulakshana Naik.
Having mentored Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL 2024 title, Gambhir is considered as front-runner for the high-profile post. However, former India cricketer WV Raman has also put forward his case with an impressive performance in the interview.
The report, citing well-placed sources in the BCCI, stated that Raman’s presentation was very good and it is likely that the CAC will interview an overseas candidate on Wednesday (June 19).
“Gambhir had a virtual interview but Raman’s presentation was very impressive and detailed. The CAC is likely to interview an overseas candidate tomorrow. Gambhir has the edge but Raman’s presentation was very thorough,” CricketNext quoted a BCCI official as saying.
There is no clarity yet on how the BCCI will make the various support staff appointments, and it will become clearer once the head coach post is finalised.
“Yes, the head coach has a big say in these appointments because he would want people he is comfortable working with. Having said that, it’s not that straightforward and BCCI too can propose their own candidates or people they think are ideal for the job. Ultimately it will be Gautam Gambhir, who is likely to become the coach, who would decide his team,” an informed source said, as quoted by CricketNext.
Meanwhile, the report also revealed that the Indian cricket board has approached the shortlisted candidates for the selector job and interviews were scheduled for the solitary position. The new selector, likely from North Zone, is expected to replace Salil Ankola.
Kishan Mohan, Nikhil Chopra, Mithun Manhas, and Reetinder Singh Sodhi are among the few names who have applied for the selector job. Sodhi, Manhas are front-runners to enter the men’s senior selection committee, which is currently being led Ajit Agarkar.
(With CricketNext Inputs)
