Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly invited applications for the head coach’s post with May 27 set as the deadline.
As per sources, incumbent Rahul Dravid had informed the BCCI about his decision to step down at the end of India’s T20 World Cup campaign in June. Dravid had agreed for an extension after his contract expired at the end of the 2023 World Cup. However, he had clarified well in advance about seeking no further extension due to personal reasons. The former India captain had decided to spend time with his family even before the IPL began in March.
Had Dravid agreed, BCCI might have considered different coaches for limited-over and Test match set-ups. However, as stated by Shah last week, there will only be one head coach across formats and his appointment will be till the end of 2027.
Some of the IPL franchise head coaches, who have been a part of the T20 league for quite some time, are likely to be in fray.
Let’s have a look at the possible contenders…
Ashish Nehra
The former India speedster is one of the successful coaches in IPL and he has a good coaching record. Under his mentorship, Gujarat Titans went on to lift the IPL trophy back in 2022. Nehra helped his side reach the final in the next year. Nehra also has a good bonding with several senior players in the Indian team. He is a strong contender for the job.
Stephen Fleming
The former New Zealand captain has been a part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp since 2009. He has played a crucial role in CSK’s success in the mega competition. He could be an ideal candidate to serve India as the head coach.
Chandrakant Pandit
The former India wicketkeeper-batsman is known as a great coach in the domestic cricketer. He has won the prestigious Ranji Trophy six times with three different teams. Currently, he is coaching KKR with a lot of success. He has it in him to be the head coach of the Indian team.
Justin Langer
Former Australia head coach Justin Langer has also showed his interest to be the head coach of the Indian team. There were media reports about Langer’s ‘curiosity’ about the top job in Indian cricket after the BCCI sent out the invite for applications for head coach position.
Tom Moody
As per sources, BCCI has approached former Australia all-rounder and SRH coach Tom Moody for the top job in the Indian cricket team.