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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to release an advertisement for a new head coach role of the Indian men’s cricket team.
Rahul Dravid tenure
According to the Cricbuzz report, BCCI’s secretary Jay Shah clarified that the current Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid‘s tenure is only until June this year and that he is free to apply for the position if he wishes to do so.
“Rahul’s tenure is only up to June. So if he wants to apply, he is free to do so,” Shah said.
Consultation and decision-making
The report further stated that the decision regarding other members of the coaching staff, including batting, bowling, and fielding coaches, will be made in consultation with the new coach. According to the report, the BCCI official also kept the possibility of hiring a foreign coach open-ended, stating that the decision will ultimately rest with the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), emphasizing the global nature of the board.
“We cannot determine whether the new coach will be Indian or foreign. It will be up to the CAC, and we are a global body,” the BCCI’s secretary added.
Unified coaching approach
Furthermore, it has been hinted that the BCCI is unlikely to adopt the practice of having different coaches for different formats, as seen in other cricket boards such as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The report highlighted the absence of precedent for such a scenario in India and emphasized that the decision would also be made by the CAC. Confirming the long-term nature of the appointment, the new coach will serve for an initial period of three years, indicating the BCCI’s commitment to providing stability and continuity in leadership.
“That decision will also be made by the CAC. There are many all-format players, like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant, among others. Moreover, there is no precedent for such a situation in India,” Shah concluded.
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Top 5 contenders for the Team India’s head coach role:
The BCCI is known for its meticulous selection process, and this time is no different. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the official announcement, let’s take a closer look at the potential contenders who could fill the shoes of the head coach.
1. Rahul Dravid: The champion mentor
Dravid’s transition from a stellar playing career to a coaching role has been seamless and impactful. Beginning with mentoring roles for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014 and the Indian team in 2014, Dravid’s leadership qualities quickly became evident. His coaching journey gained momentum with successes in the IPL and guiding the India U-19 and India A teams to significant achievements, including winning the U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2018.
In July 2019, Dravid took on the role of Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he played a pivotal role in player development and rehabilitation. His efforts earned praise, leading to his appointment as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team in November 2021. Under his guidance, the team delivered commendable performances in various ICC tournaments.
As Dravid prepares to lead India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, it will mark the culmination of his coaching journey. With a focus on ending India’s ICC trophy drought, Dravid remain dedicated to achieving success. While this tournament may conclude his coaching tenure, the door remains open for him to continue contributing to Indian cricket in the future, reflecting his enduring commitment to the sport’s development and success.
2. VVS Laxman: Master of technique
VVS Laxman emerges as another potential contender for the coaching role with Team India. Laxman initiated his coaching journey with the Indian team during a successful T20I series against Ireland, which India convincingly won 2-0. Since then, Laxman has taken charge of the Indian team in several T20 series, showcasing his leadership abilities on the international stage.
One of Laxman’s notable coaching achievements came during the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, where he led the Indian team to a gold medal triumph. His strategic acumen and ability to inspire players to perform at their best were evident throughout the tournament, solidifying his reputation as a capable coach.
Currently, Laxman holds prominent coaching roles within Indian cricket. He serves as the Director of the NCA, where he plays a pivotal role in nurturing and developing young talent. Additionally, Laxman also holds the position of head coach of the Indian U-19 team, further showcasing his commitment to the growth and success of Indian cricket at all levels.
3. Tom Moody: A global coaching maven
Tom Moody boasts an impressive resume as a cricket coach, having left his mark on various cricketing platforms such as the IPL’s Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Sri Lankan national team. Widely recognized for his strategic brilliance and adept management skills, Moody’s coaching journey has seen him being considered for the coveted role of coaching the Indian cricket team multiple times. Despite coming close in 2005 and 2007, ultimately being edged out by other candidates, Moody’s reputation as a top-tier mentor remains unscathed. His extensive experience and proven success make him a compelling choice to lead Team India into its next phase of development, offering a promising outlook for Indian cricket under his guidance.
4. Andy Flower: The tactical genius
Andy Flower’s tenure as head coach of the England cricket team marked a glorious period for English cricket, highlighted by significant victories in both Test and limited-overs cricket. His leadership saw England secure historic triumphs, including the memorable Ashes win over Australia in 2011 and capturing the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010. Flower’s meticulous planning and focus on fitness transformed England’s playing style, elevating them to unprecedented success on the global stage.
With his analytical approach and innovative strategies, Flower could inject fresh vitality into the tactics of the Indian team, making him a formidable candidate for the coaching role. His extensive coaching experience spans various cricketing leagues, currently overseeing teams like Multan Sultans (MS) in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Flower’s diverse coaching background and proven track record make him an enticing prospect for any cricketing outfit, including Team India.
5. Justin Langer: The passionate leader
Justin Langer‘s coaching journey with the Australian team has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by notable successes and challenges. Despite facing early setbacks, such as a whitewash in the ODI series against England and a home Test series loss to India, Langer led Australia to retain the Ashes in England in 2019 and clinched the T20 World Cup in 2021. His emphasis on meticulous planning and innovative strategies has played a crucial role in Australia’s resurgence on the international stage.
These qualities position Langer as a compelling candidate to potentially lead the Indian cricket team. With India’s rich cricketing talent and desire for continuous improvement, Langer’s coaching expertise and leadership skills could prove invaluable. His experience in navigating high-pressure situations and fostering a winning culture aligns well with India’s aspirations for cricketing success. Under Langer’s guidance, Team India could embark on a new era of excellence, making him a suitable candidate to helm the team.
