MUMBAI:
The BCCI’s deadline for applications for the position of Indian men’s cricket team head coach expired on Monday. The Indian Cricket Board and their rumored top candidate, Gautam Gambhir, remained silent on the matter.
Gautam Gambhir’s name has gained significant momentum after he led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL championship on Sunday. Though neither Gambhir nor the BCCI have made any official comments, the cricket board wants to hire one of the Indian players.
According to BCCI secretary Jay Shah, the Board is seeking a candidate who has worked their way up through the organization and is familiar with the domestic cricket structure, rather than a high-profile foreign applicant.
The BCCI appears to have targeted VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy, as a primary candidate. However, the former batter seems uninterested in a full-time role that would require him to be available for 10 months of the year.
“The BCCI has no immediate need to rush a decision on the deadline. The national team will be occupied with the ICC World T20 2024 for much of June. After that tournament, the senior players will be rested during the tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. This provides an opportunity for NCA-based coaches to accompany the team. Given these factors, there is no urgency to finalize a decision right now,” a BCCI source informed PTI.
Additionally, Gambhir and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan share a close bond and Gambhir is finding it difficult to quit the three-time champions.
Another important factor that requires consideration is the opinion of experienced Indian players who are presently in New York regarding whether or not Gambhir is a suitable replacement for Rahul Dravid.
