Gautam Gambhir Sole Candidate for India Head Coach; BCCI to Announce New Selector
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According to a story in The Indian Express, Gautam Gambhir, a former cricket player for India, is expected to be chosen as the country’s next head coach without any opposition. Following his announcement that he will not be taking over as India’s head coach following the T20 World Cup, entrusted head coach Rahul Dravid accepted applications in the first week of May, 2024. The application date for the position of head coach at India was May 27. It was previously claimed that only a very small number of well-known figures have expressed interest in being India’s head coach, mostly because of the demanding 10-month annual travel schedule.
It’s evident now that Gambhir is the sole candidate. The report further stated that the Cricket Advisory Committee is scheduled to interview the former India opener on Tuesday. Gambhir is scheduled to make a Zoom call appearance in front of CAC Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik.
Even though Gambhir was always the BCCI’s top pick, the lack of other applications serves as a sobering reminder that, despite the board’s generous compensation package, a once-coveted and well-known position in international cricket today attracts relatively few people. Well-known athletes are content with their brief assignments in franchise leagues as they make good money and have much time to spend with their families.
New Selectors Commitie to be Announced too
Gambhir’s reputation as a potential Dravid replacement has increased after the former opener made a remarkable job of leading the Kolkata Knight Riders back to victory. Following his seven-year hiatus, Gambhir played a pivotal role in fostering a positive team culture. This was seen in KKR’s success in the 2024 Indian Premier League, where they won the championship after a ten-year absence. They then, for the first time, finished as the top table at the end of the group stage.
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The CAC will present its recommendations to the board following the interview. It’s probable that the official announcement will come later. “We are holding interviews with potential applicants to fill the positions of selector and head coach. A BCCI source revealed that the board will thereafter make an official declaration when the CAC submits its report to the BCCI.
Similar to all other head coaches, Gambhir will have the authority to select his own group of advisers. It is quite possible that Team India would go to Zimbabwe with a whole new group of support staff members because Gambhir is unlikely to bring along bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathour. Their contracts expire following the T20 World Cup, much as Dravid’s.
