Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received an overwhelming response to its search for the next head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, with over 3,000 applications pouring in. The BCCI invited interested candidates to apply through a Google form earlier this month, and the deadline for submissions closed on May 27.However, the BCCI now faces the challenge of sifting through numerous fake applications, with imposters using the names of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, as well as prominent political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah."Last year too, the BCCI received such a response where imposters applied, and the story is similar this time," an unnamed BCCI official told the Indian Express. "The reason the BCCI had to invite applications on Google forms is it's easy to scrutinize the names of applicants in one sheet."Despite the influx of fake applications, the BCCI has confirmed that Rahul Dravid, the current head coach, has opted not to reapply for the role. Dravid's tenure will conclude after the T20 World Cup 2024, and he has expressed a desire to prioritize spending time with his family.While the BCCI has not yet disclosed the names of genuine applicants, speculation abounds regarding potential candidates. Former cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, and Stephen Fleming are reportedly under consideration.The new head coach will have a three-and-a-half-year term, starting from July 1, 2024, and ending on December 31, 2027. The job description outlines the need for a willingness to meet the work expectations and pressures associated with handling marquee athletes, underscoring the magnitude of the position.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has closed the application deadline for the position of Team India head coach, with Gautam Gambhir emerging as a leading candidate. However, both the BCCI and Gambhir have remained tight-lipped about the situation.Gambhir's name has gained significant traction, particularly after his successful stint as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who won their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Sunday. However, the BCCI has not yet made any official statements, indicating that they may not have a wide range of high-caliber candidates to choose from.Notably, no notable foreign coach has applied for the post, as BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the board's preference for someone who has risen through the ranks and understands the domestic structure. The BCCI's primary target was reportedly VVS Laxman, the National Cricket Academy head, but he is believed to be uninterested in a full-time position that requires him to be available for 10 months a year.Sources within the BCCI have indicated that the board is not in a hurry to make a decision, as the team will be busy with the World T20 in June. Additionally, senior players will be rested from tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, allowing NCA-based senior coaches to accompany the team.Another factor to consider is Gambhir's close relationship with Kolkata Knight Riders principal owner Shah Rukh Khan. Leaving an IPL team that has been a part of his identity for the former India opener may not be an easy decision.Furthermore, the BCCI is reportedly seeking input from senior India players, who are currently in New York, on whether Gambhir would be a suitable replacement for Rahul Dravid.

BCCI Rewards Groundsmen and Curators for Exceptional IPL PitchesThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recognized the invaluable contributions of groundsmen and curators during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season. In a gesture of appreciation, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that each of the 10 regular IPL venue groundsmen and curators will receive a sum of Rs 25 lakh. Additionally, groundsmen and curators at the three additional venues will be awarded Rs 10 lakh each.Shah hailed the ground staff as "unsung heroes" for their tireless efforts in preparing and maintaining "brilliant pitches" throughout the tournament, despite challenging weather conditions. He emphasized that their dedication and hard work played a crucial role in the success of the IPL season.The 10 regular IPL venues include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. The additional venues this year were Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Dharamsala.This year's IPL witnessed a remarkable trend of high-scoring matches, with the 250-run mark being crossed eight times. The peak team total record was shattered twice during the season.Shah also extended his congratulations to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their third IPL title triumph. He praised the team's consistency and the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer.The BCCI's recognition of the groundsmen and curators highlights the importance of their contributions to the sport. Their expertise and dedication ensure that players can perform at their best and fans can enjoy high-quality cricket matches.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking a new head coach for the men's national team, and several prominent former cricketers have emerged as potential candidates. Among the top Indian contenders are VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir, while international names like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Stephen Fleming have also been linked to the role.However, it is reported that Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the position. According to Dainik Jagaran, Gambhir is eager to take up the job despite being in his first year as KKR mentor. However, he has one condition: he wants a "selection guarantee" before applying.Gambhir is reportedly unwilling to simply be an applicant for the post. He wants to be assured of his selection as Rahul Dravid's replacement before submitting his application. The deadline for applications is May 27, and it is unclear how many potential coaches have expressed interest.The BCCI has denied reaching out to Ponting and Langer, despite claims from the duo that they were approached but declined the offer. If Gambhir does apply and is selected, he will have to step down from his role as KKR mentor.Gambhir's impressive performance as KKR mentor has significantly boosted his chances of becoming India's head coach. Under his guidance, the franchise has shown remarkable resurgence in IPL 2023.

India's star batter Shreyas Iyer has revealed that he had raised concerns about persistent back issues after the 2023 ODI World Cup, but his concerns were initially dismissed."I was definitely struggling after the World Cup in the longer format," said Iyer, who captains the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). "When I raised my concern, no one was agreeing to it."Despite his concerns, Iyer remained determined to perform at his best in the IPL. "When the IPL was approaching, all I wanted to see was that I've put my best foot forward," he said. "We [KKR] had done a lot of planning and strategizing, and if we could execute it to the best of our abilities, we would have been in a great spot."Iyer's back injury had previously sidelined him from the Asia Cup in 2023 and the first two England Tests in early 2024. He was cleared for selection after the second England Test but missed subsequent Ranji Trophy games for Mumbai, citing back spasms.Despite being cleared by the BCCI medical staff, Iyer's absence from the Ranji Trophy raised questions about his priorities. BCCI secretary Jay Shah had warned players against prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket, and Iyer lost his central BCCI contract despite meeting the minimum criteria for matches played.During the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha, Iyer was absent from the field for two consecutive days due to back issues.Iyer acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from red-ball to white-ball cricket. "It's kind of difficult as a batsman and also as a bowler," he said. "But once you get used to it, I think you pick up the pace and march on with the other players."

Indian cricket is set to witness a significant change as head coach Rahul Dravid prepares to step down after the ICC T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach, with several prominent names being linked to the role.Initially, Australian legend Ricky Ponting and Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming were considered frontrunners. However, Ponting declined the offer, while Langer and Flower also withdrew their names from consideration.Amidst the ongoing speculation, South African batting icon AB de Villiers has expressed his thoughts on the possibility of coaching the Indian team. While he acknowledged that coaching is something he might enjoy in the future, he ruled out taking up the role immediately."I absolutely have no idea. I do think I'll enjoy coaching. I think there's certain elements I won't enjoy as much, which I will have to learn. With time, anything is possible, and I can think on my feet and learn as I move on," De Villiers said.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the board's desire to appoint a long-term head coach who understands the Indian cricket structure. He also clarified that the BCCI has not approached any former Australian cricketer for the role."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," Shah stated.As the search for Dravid's successor continues, the BCCI will be evaluating candidates who can guide the Indian team to continued success across all formats.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied reports that former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer were approached for the position of head coach of the Indian senior men's team. BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that the board has not contacted any former Australian cricketer for the coaching role.Shah emphasized the significance of the head coach position for Team India, which boasts a massive global fan base and a rich cricketing history. He stressed the need for a highly professional coach who can nurture the team's talented players and elevate Indian cricket to new heights.Shah clarified that the BCCI is focused on identifying candidates with a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and who have risen through the ranks. He believes that an in-depth knowledge of the domestic cricket framework is crucial for the coach to effectively guide Team India.Ponting had previously revealed that he was contacted about the head coach position but declined due to lifestyle considerations. He expressed his desire to coach a national team but acknowledged that the time commitment and conflict with his IPL involvement made it unsuitable for him at present.Langer, who was reportedly interested in the role, also withdrew his candidacy after receiving advice from Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul. Rahul cautioned Langer about the immense pressure and political dynamics involved in coaching Team India, which he described as significantly more challenging than managing an IPL franchise.The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications for the head coach position. The board is expected to conduct a thorough selection process to identify the most suitable candidate to lead Team India into the future.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) faces a daunting task in selecting a new head coach for the senior men's team, with the deadline for applications approaching. The board has reportedly shortlisted several potential candidates, including Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, and Mahela Jayawardene.However, enticing strong candidates has become challenging due to competition from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The commitment to travel with the team for 10 months a year until the 2027 ODI World Cup is a significant deterrent. All the shortlisted coaches currently hold lucrative positions with IPL franchises.The only candidate not committed to an IPL job is VVS Laxman, the current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). While Laxman has reportedly expressed reluctance to take up the role, the BCCI has not ruled him out.Sources indicate that Gambhir is currently the frontrunner on the BCCI's wish list. The former India opener has reportedly developed a good rapport with senior players in the Indian team.The BCCI has not yet formally contacted any of the potential candidates, but discussions are expected to take place this week. The board is keen to make a decision before the end of the IPL playoffs, which are currently underway in Ahmedabad.The appointment of a new head coach is crucial for the Indian team, which is set to embark on a busy schedule in the coming months. The team will play a series of white-ball matches against South Africa and Australia before the T20 World Cup in October.

Harbhajan Singh, the legendary Indian spinner, has expressed his interest in potentially taking on the role of head coach for Team India in the future. In an interview with ANI, Harbhajan emphasized that coaching the Men in Blue is primarily about managing the team effectively rather than teaching players technical skills."Coaching India is about man management, not about teaching players how to drive and pull. They know it very well. You can give some guidance to them," said Harbhajan.Harbhajan's statement comes amidst the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inviting applications for the position of men's national team head coach. The tenure for the role will commence on July 1, 2024, and conclude on December 31, 2027, coinciding with the next 50-over Cricket World Cup.The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27, 6 PM for interested candidates to submit their applications. The selection process will involve a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates.Harbhajan, who retired from international cricket in 2016, has been involved in coaching roles in the past. He served as the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a brief period in 2022.The former spinner acknowledged that he has not yet decided whether to apply for the Team India head coach position. However, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the sport that has given him so much."Cricket has given me so much and if I get a chance to give it back, I would be more than happy," said Harbhajan.The BCCI has outlined specific qualifications for potential head coach candidates. Applicants must have played a minimum of 30 Test matches or 50 ODIs, or have served as the head coach of a full member Test-playing nation for at least two years. Alternatively, they must have been the head coach of an Associate member/IPL team or equivalent international league/first-class teams/national A teams for a minimum of three years.India's current head coach, Rahul Dravid, was given an extension until June 2024 after the team failed to win the ICC Cricket World Cup at home in November 2023. Dravid's tenure will conclude during the ICC T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA, which will take place from June 1 to 29.