India’s T20 World Cup 2024 final win against South Africa in Barbados on Saturday (June 29) marked the end of Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach of the national team.
Former opener Gautam Gambhir is considered as the front-runner to succeed Dravid as chief coach. Last month, the Cricket Advisory Committee reportedly conducted interviews for the high-profile job and short-listed Gambhir and ex-India women's coach WV Raman.
While the BCCI has remained tight-lipped on this matter, the board secretary Jay Shah said on Monday (July 12) revealed that India's new head coach will begin his stint from the white-ball series in Sri Lanka later this month.
Shah also confirmed that National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman will perform the role of Indian team’s interim coach on the five-match T20I tour of Zimbabwe, starting on July 6 in Harare.
The appointment of a selector will be made as well, said Shah, who is currently in the Caribbean with the T20 World Cup-winning Indian squad.
"Both coach and selector appointment will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but new coach will join from Sri Lanka series," Shah told select media, as quoted by PTI.
The Indian team is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs starting July 27.
After India’s T20 World Cup victory, star batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli called time on their illustrious T20I careers.
When asked about the chances of Hardik Pandya succeeding Rohit as T20I captain and his stunning all-round display in the marquee event, Jay Shah said: "Captaincy will be decided by the selectors and we will announce it after discussing with them. You asked about Hardik, there were lot of questions over his form but we and selectors showed faith in him and he proved himself."
Since 2013, India had lost as many as five ICC finals. Hence, this triumph came as a big relief for the Rohit Sharma-led side.
The BCCI secretary hoped that winning run will continue as he also confirmed the participation of senior players like Rohit and Kohli in the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
"I would want India to win all the titles. We have the biggest bench strength, only three players from this team are going to Zimbabwe. We can field three teams if the need arises.
"The way this team is progressing, our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. There will be a similar squad playing there. The seniors will be there," said Shah.
(With PTI Inputs)
