Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced on Monday that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has identified two candidates for the position of head coach for the Indian men's cricket team. This decision signals the conclusion of Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach.
The Indian cricket team is preparing to appoint a new head coach ahead of the upcoming limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence later this month. Former opener Gautam Gambhir and former India women’s coach W.V. Raman are the frontrunners for this prestigious role.
While celebrating India’s recent T20 World Cup victory in the Caribbean, Shah confirmed that the new coach would assume responsibilities from the series against Sri Lanka starting on July 27.
"The appointments of both the coach and the selector are imminent. The CAC has conducted interviews and shortlisted two candidates. We will finalize our decision upon our return to Mumbai," Shah stated during a press briefing.
He also mentioned that VVS Laxman would temporarily coach the team for the Zimbabwe tour beginning July 6, with the new head coach joining from the Sri Lanka series onward. "VVS Laxman will oversee the Zimbabwe tour, while the new head coach will take over for the Sri Lanka series."
India’s recent victory in the T20 World Cup, where they secured the title by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final, marked a significant achievement. This win ended India’s 11-year wait for an ICC title, attributed by Shah to the experience and dedication of senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Following the World Cup triumph, both Sharma and Kohli, along with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, announced their retirement from T20 Internationals.
Reflecting on the team's success, Shah commented, "Consistency in leadership, seen last year and now in Barbados, alongside enhanced performance, enabled us to clinch the title. Experience plays a pivotal role in World Cups, and our senior players delivered when it mattered most."
With the retirements of Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja, India stands on the threshold of a new chapter. Shah expressed confidence in this transition, underscoring the strength and depth of India’s talent pool. "The transition phase has commenced with the retirement of these three stalwarts," he remarked. "We possess considerable depth, as evidenced by the fact that only three players from the current squad will proceed to Zimbabwe. We have the capacity to field multiple teams if required."
Looking ahead, Shah remains optimistic about India’s future prospects, setting ambitious goals of triumphing in the World Test Championship final and the Champions Trophy. "Our objective is to capture every title. The team’s progress has been encouraging, and we are determined to succeed in the World Test Championship final and the Champions Trophy. The guidance of our senior players will be invaluable to the team."
Addressing queries regarding Hardik Pandya's potential as a future captain, Shah acknowledged Pandya’s impressive all-round performance in the World Cup. "The selectors will decide on captaincy. Hardik has demonstrated his capabilities, and we have faith in his potential."
The BCCI plans to honor the victorious squad upon their return to India. However, due to ongoing travel disruptions caused by a hurricane warning, the team is currently stranded. "We are also affected by these circumstances. Once travel arrangements are clear, we will proceed with the felicitation," Shah added.
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