The BCCI is adopting a patient approach in its search for India’s next head coach, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Gautam Gambhir and the absence of notable foreign contenders in the applicant pool.
There’s no rush from the BCCI to reveal the list of coach applicants or engage in discussions. The deadline of May 27 doesn’t seem to be causing any anxiety within the Indian cricket board. Instead, they are willing to take their time to identify the right candidate. With Rahul Dravid’s tenure concluding after the T20 World Cup, speculation about his successor continues unabated.
Despite media speculation and online chatter, the BCCI remains unfazed. They might even delay the decision-making process until after the T20 World Cup, considering the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, where senior players are expected to be rested. In such a scenario, the team could be coached by NCA staff under the leadership of VVS Laxman.
According to an anonymous source from the BCCI, the deadline is manageable, but they wouldn’t mind extending the decision timeline. With the team occupied with the World T20 and subsequent tours to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, the urgency seems minimal.
The PTI report suggests that Laxman was initially the preferred choice to succeed Dravid, but he declined the offer to be associated with the senior team.
Despite names like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, and Mahela Jayawardene being floated around, none have reportedly applied for the position. This lack of interest from prominent foreign candidates could be attributed to the demanding travel schedule, with the majority of the year spent away from home.
While Gautam Gambhir emerges as a frontrunner, fueled by Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL success under his mentorship, it remains unclear if he has officially thrown his hat into the ring. The strong bond between Gambhir and KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan further complicates matters, making it challenging for Gambhir to part ways with the franchise.