Cricket

The search for India's next head coach has intensified, with the BCCI receiving applications for the position that will be vacated by Rahul Dravid on June 30, 2024. While names like Gautam Gambhir have been circulating, reliable sources have confirmed that Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lankan captain, has not applied nor been approached for the role.Jayawardene, who has guided Mumbai Indians to three IPL titles, is currently the franchise's global head of performance, overseeing coaching and scouting for MI's teams in various T20 leagues worldwide. He has also served as a consultant for the Sri Lankan men's team during their recent World Cup campaigns.Another potential candidate, Justin Langer, has ruled himself out of contention. The former Australia head coach, who led the team to a T20 World Cup title in 2021, cited the demanding nature of the role and the need for the right timing."It would be a great challenge, but the timing has got to be right," Langer said. "The pressure on winning for the Indian team is massive."The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications, and the new head coach is expected to be appointed for a three-year period from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. The successful candidate will be tasked with guiding India through the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. According to ESPNcricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached Gambhir to gauge his interest in the position.Gambhir, 42, has no prior experience as a coach at the international or domestic level. However, he has been involved in coaching roles at two IPL franchises. He served as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 and 2023, guiding them to the playoffs in both seasons. He then joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their mentor for the 2024 season, where they finished the league stage at the top of the points table.Gambhir's move to KKR was unexpected, but it is believed that he was persuaded by the franchise's principal owner, Shah Rukh Khan. Gambhir was a key member of India's T20 World Cup-winning team in 2007 and the ODI World Cup-winning team in 2011. He also captained KKR for seven IPL seasons from 2011 to 2017, leading them to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.Dravid, who has been India's head coach since 2021, has informed the BCCI that he will not seek another term. The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications for the head coach position, a day after the IPL final.If appointed, Gambhir will be tasked with leading India to success in all three formats of the game. India will be aiming to win the T20 World Cup in 2024, the ODI World Cup in 2027, and the Test Championship in 2025.

Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has expressed optimism about the Indian men's cricket team's chances of winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. In an exclusive interview, Shah discussed his achievements at the BCCI, the challenges facing Indian cricket, and his vision for the future.Shah highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure and talent development. He credited the BCCI's decision to strengthen the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and introduce a sports psychologist for the women's team as key achievements. He also emphasized the need for a balance between form and experience in team selection, while acknowledging the importance of overseas experience.Regarding the criticism of the IPL's impact player rule, Shah stated that it is a test case and the BCCI is consulting with stakeholders. He defended the batting-friendly pitches in the IPL, citing the recent match between Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad as evidence of their fairness.Shah also discussed the BCCI's financial success, attributing it to the separation of TV and digital broadcasting rights and the increase in revenue from the ICC. He emphasized that a large portion of the revenue is invested in state associations for grassroots development and infrastructure improvement.When asked about his favorite cricket icons, Shah named Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya. He also expressed his admiration for Rafael Nadal in tennis and his preference for the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as his favorite cricket stadium.Shah's management mantra is to appoint the right people and maintain transparency in financial matters. He is inspired by Swami Vivekanand's quote, "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is achieved."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seeking a new head coach for the men's cricket team as Rahul Dravid's tenure concludes after the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid has reportedly declined to re-apply for the position, citing a desire to spend more time with family.The BCCI requires a multi-format coach who can commit to approximately ten months with the team due to the busy schedule. Despite other countries adopting separate coaches for red-ball and white-ball cricket, the BCCI prefers a single coach for both formats.Former Indian players have been approached for the role, but they must submit applications to be considered. VVS Laxman was initially speculated as Dravid's successor, but he has reportedly declined the offer and will continue with the India 'A' team.Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, Gautam Gambhir, and Ashish Nehra are among the other candidates in contention. Langer has expressed interest, while Ponting has reportedly met with BCCI officials regarding the position.Gambhir and Nehra have also shown interest in the role. Gambhir has guided Kolkata Knight Riders to back-to-back playoff finishes, while Nehra led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in their debut season.With Dravid and Laxman unavailable, Ponting emerges as the frontrunner. However, the extensive workload and his commitment to Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket could pose challenges.The BCCI has also considered Stephen Fleming, who has been the longest-serving coach in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings. Dravid's contract expires after the T20 World Cup, and he has the option to re-apply.The BCCI has invited applications for the role with a deadline of May 27. The new head coach will be responsible for guiding the Indian team through a busy schedule, including a five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe starting July 15.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach for the senior men's cricket team. Current coach Rahul Dravid's contract expires in June 2024, and while he is eligible to re-apply, reports suggest he may not be interested in continuing.The BCCI has invited applications for the position, with a deadline of May 27, 2024. The selection process will involve a review of applications, personal interviews, and assessments of shortlisted candidates.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that the board is also considering overseas candidates, but the decision will depend on the recommendations of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). Shah has stated that he cannot interfere if the CAC selects a foreign coach.According to reports, the BCCI has informally discussed the position with Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain and current coach of Chennai Super Kings. Fleming has extensive experience in Indian cricket and is familiar with the players and conditions. However, it is unclear if he will apply for the job.The BCCI's decision to seek a new coach comes amid a period of transition for the Indian team. Dravid has been credited with improving the team's performance in Test cricket, but the team has struggled in limited-overs formats. The upcoming ODI World Cup in India later this year will be a key test for the team and could influence the BCCI's decision on the next coach.The search for a new coach has sparked interest among fans, with many taking to social media to submit their applications. The BCCI's announcement has also raised questions about the future of Dravid, who is widely respected in Indian cricket.

The Indian cricket team is set to bid farewell to its head coach, Rahul Dravid, after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in June. Dravid has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision to step down, citing personal reasons.Dravid's decision comes as a surprise, as he had previously agreed to an extension of his contract beyond the 2023 World Cup. However, sources close to the team reveal that Dravid had expressed his desire to spend more time with his family even before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in March.The BCCI has officially invited applications for the head coach position, with May 27 set as the deadline. Last week, BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that Dravid "will have to re-apply" if he wants an extension. This announcement raised eyebrows, as it was widely expected that Dravid would continue in his role.The Hindu understands that Dravid had clarified his decision to step down well in advance due to personal reasons. Despite requests from senior players to reconsider, Dravid remained firm in his decision.Had Dravid agreed to an extension, the BCCI may have considered having separate coaches for limited-over and Test match formats. However, as per Shah's statement, there will only be one head coach across all formats, with the appointment lasting until the end of 2027.Contrary to speculation, V.V.S. Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy, is unlikely to enter the fray for the head coach position. This may force the BCCI to consider an overseas coach in consultation with senior players. Feelers have been sent to a couple of IPL franchise head coaches who have been part of the T20 league for a considerable time. However, none of them have expressed willingness to apply for the post so far.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach for the Indian men's cricket team. The position will be open for a three-and-a-half-year term, commencing on July 1, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2027.The incumbent head coach, Rahul Dravid, will conclude his tenure after the T20 World Cup in the Americas next month. Dravid has been at the helm since November 2021, and his contract was extended last year due to the lack of time to appoint a new coach before India's tour of South Africa and the T20 World Cup.To be eligible for the position, candidates must meet the following criteria:* Age below 60 years* Played a minimum of 30 Tests or 50 ODIs* Served as a head coach for a full member Test nation for at least two yearsThe selection process will involve a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates. The deadline for submitting applications is May 27, 2024.The new coach will face several significant challenges during their tenure, including:* Managing the transition from batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are in the latter stages of their careers* Handling important assignments such as the away white ball series in Sri Lanka, home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and the T20 and 50-over World CupsThe BCCI's decision to seek a long-term coach suggests that they are looking for stability and continuity in the team's leadership. The new coach will have the opportunity to shape the future of Indian cricket and guide the team to success in major tournaments.

India's head coach Rahul Dravid's future with the national team remains uncertain as his contract expires in June. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Dravid will have to reapply for the position if he wishes to continue beyond the T20 World Cup next month. The new appointment will be for a three-year term.Dravid's initial two-year contract was extended along with his support staff after the 50-overs World Cup last year. However, reports suggest that Dravid is reluctant to extend his stay as head coach beyond June.BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that the board will invite applications for the head coach position in the coming days. He emphasized that the BCCI is seeking a long-term coach for a three-year period.Shah also addressed the possibility of having different coaches for different formats, but noted that there is no precedent for this in Indian cricket. He added that the decision ultimately rests with the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).The CAC, comprising Jatin Paranjape, Ashok Malhotra, and Sulakshana Naik, will be responsible for selecting the new head coach. Shah indicated that even a foreign coach could be considered based on the CAC's recommendations.Meanwhile, the BCCI is expected to fill the vacant post of one national selector soon. Shah confirmed that interviews have already taken place and an announcement will be made shortly.Regarding the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairmanship, Shah remained non-committal on whether he would run for the position. He stated that he is focused on his role with the BCCI.

The England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) directive for players to return home for national duty from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the T20 World Cup has sparked a heated debate. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for decisive action from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL franchises against players and their respective cricket boards for withdrawing from the IPL midway through the season.Gavaskar emphasized the need for repercussions against players and their cricket boards for breaching their commitments. He urged IPL franchises to deduct a substantial portion of the players' salaries, citing the financial repercussions faced by the franchises due to their sudden exit."I am all for players choosing country before anything else, but having assured various franchises about their availability for the full season, if they pull out now, it will be letting down the franchises," Gavaskar stated. "The franchises should not only be allowed to deduct a substantial amount from the fee that the player was bought for, but also not give the Board, to which the player belongs, the stated 10 per cent commission of the fee that each player gets."Gavaskar also highlighted the disparity in treatment between the IPL and other T20 leagues worldwide, particularly regarding the 10 per cent commission paid to cricket boards for players' participation in the tournament."If the Board has gone back on its assurance they need to be penalized too. This 10 per cent commission to the Boards happens only in the IPL and nowhere else. Does the BCCI get any thanks for its generosity? No way," Gavaskar emphasized.The controversy surrounding England players' IPL exit underscores the complexities of balancing international and franchise cricket commitments. As discussions between the ECB and BCCI continue, stakeholders await clarity on the way forward.