Team India head coach job is doing the round nowadays. The senior men’s cricket team’s current coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure will come to an end following the 2024 T20 World Cup, in the West Indies and USA in June. As the deadline to apply for the top post is May 27, there have been several reports which have mentioned that the BCCI have also approached some big names to consider taking the elite job.
Reportedly, Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, Gautam Gambhir, etc. are on BCCI’s radar. Recently, Ponting revealed that ‘there were a few little one-on-one conversations during the IPL’ to know his interest for the job, which he doesn’t want at present.
However, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah cleared the air by saying that no Australian has been approached by him, or the board. His comments have added a new twist to the tale.
The BCCI Secretary said in a statement, “Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect. Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks. It’s crucial that our coach has an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket framework to truly elevate Team India to the next level.”
Shah further opined, “When we talk about international cricket, no role is more prestigious than that of the Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Team India commands the largest fan base globally, enjoying support that is truly unrivalled. Our rich history, passion for the game make this one of the most lucrative jobs in the world.”
He added, “The role demands a high level of professionalism as one gets to nurture some of the best cricketers in the world and an assembly line of talented cricketers to follow. Catering to the aspirations of a billion fans is a huge honour and the BCCI will pick the right candidate, capable of propelling Indian cricket forward.”