Cricket

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.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach for the Indian cricket team, with the tenure of current coach Rahul Dravid set to expire after the 2024 T20 World Cup. The deadline for applications is May 27, and the successful candidate will hold the position until December 31, 2027, effectively covering the 2027 ODI World Cup.Several prominent names have emerged as potential candidates, including Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Gautam Gambhir. According to reports, the BCCI has informally approached Fleming, who has extensive experience as the coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it remains uncertain whether Fleming will apply for the role, given the requirement for the coach to spend 10 months of the year with the Indian team.CSK has denied any rumors of Fleming's departure, with CEO Kasi Viswanathan stating that there has been no communication between Fleming and the franchise regarding the Indian coaching position. Despite CSK's denial, the team recently posted a tribute to Fleming on social media, acknowledging his guidance and support.The BCCI has outlined specific qualifications and experience requirements for the head coach position. Candidates 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. Additionally, candidates must possess a BCCI Level 3 Certification or equivalent and be below 60 years of age.The BCCI has stated that the remuneration for the head coach is negotiable and will be commensurate with experience. The operating environment for the coach is described as demanding, requiring the ability to handle the expectations and pressures associated with managing elite athletes.

Justin Langer, the former head coach of the Australian cricket team, has expressed his thoughts on the demanding nature of the India head coach position. Langer, who recently coached the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL), believes that the timing must be right for anyone considering the role.Langer acknowledged the immense pressure and workload associated with being the India head coach. He emphasized that the constant scrutiny and expectations can be overwhelming, especially given the volume of cricket played by the Indian team. Langer also noted that he had only recently stepped down from a similar role with Australia, and that he might not be mentally prepared to commit to the demanding schedule of the India head coach position.Despite his reservations, Langer praised the IPL as the best domestic competition in the world. He likened the pressure of the IPL to that of a World Cup, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of the tournament. Langer also expressed his admiration for the Indian players, stating that they are constantly evolving and improving their game.Langer defended KL Rahul, the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, despite criticism over his batting strike rate. He argued that Rahul's approach is different from other players, and that he has been successful in his own way. Langer believes that Rahul will continue to evolve and improve as a player.

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 Indian cricket team's head coach position is up for grabs as Rahul Dravid's tenure concludes in June. With no clear indication of VVS Laxman's interest, the BCCI is exploring alternatives, including seasoned foreign coaches.Sources reveal that Stephen Fleming and Ricky Ponting have been informally approached, but their response has been lukewarm due to the year-round commitment required. Despite their extensive knowledge of Indian cricket through IPL stints, the prospect of a full-time role may deter them.Historically, India has had success with foreign coaches like John Wright and Gary Kirsten, who oversaw Test series victories abroad and a World Cup triumph. However, the preference shifted towards Indian coaches after an unsuccessful stint with Duncan Fletcher.Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli's partnership witnessed remarkable Test successes, but they failed to clinch an ICC trophy. Dravid and Rohit Sharma's partnership has also been commendable, but the quest for an ICC title remains unfulfilled.The upcoming coach's tenure, from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027, will face challenges like the Test series in Australia and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. With the application deadline set for May 27, the BCCI is expected to make a decision soon, with foreign candidates emerging as the frontrunners.

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.

Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri has hinted at a potential role in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During his tenure from 2017 to 2021, Shastri led the Indian team to significant achievements, including consecutive Test series victories against Australia.One of the most memorable moments under Shastri's guidance was India's historic win at The Gabba in 2021, which inspired the famous phrase "Toota hai Gabba ka ghamand." Fans have always been eager to see Shastri take on a head coach position in the IPL.When asked about the possibility of coaching in the IPL during an appearance on Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel, Shastri responded, "Not really. Not after doing India for 7 years. You never know what can come up in the future and how involved you might want to get."Following his stint with the Indian team, Shastri returned to broadcasting and is currently part of the commentary panel for the ongoing IPL 2024 season. His dynamic voice and unique style of introducing teams during the toss have left a lasting impression on viewers."You know, there is no doubting the experience you have and what you can bring to the table, but after 7 years with the Indian team, especially those times when you were there, the toughest time that game has seen since the World War II, during Covid, quarantine and the bubbles, you just wanted ta break from the dugout, the dressing room and everything. The broadcasting and the mic gave me the freedom to express myself again. And have some fun," Shastri added.While not completely ruling out a return to a managerial role (perhaps for an IPL team this time), Shastri emphasized his desire to contribute to the sport by identifying and nurturing young talent."If I ever go there, it will be precisely for that reason. Not to see the superstars carrying on the way they are, but to cultivate, identify and groom talent, and take them through the roof. I will enjoy it because the spread is so much these days, they have complexes, they have language barriers and challenges culturally. And then get them together to play fearless cricket and ruthless cricket is my cup of tea. So never discount that, it would always be the case when you are handling youngsters," he added.

Former South African all-rounder Johan Botha has been appointed as the new head coach of the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls for the next three years. Botha, 42, was selected after a thorough recruitment process that included Ashley Noffke and Adam Hollioake.Botha, who became an Australian citizen in 2012, has extensive playing and coaching experience. He represented South Africa in 5 Tests, 78 ODIs, and 40 T20Is, captaining the team in 21 white-ball matches. He also captained South Australia in the Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup for two years.In the BBL, Botha played 71 matches for the Adelaide Strikers, Sydney Sixers, and Hobart Hurricanes. He retired in 2019 but returned as a fill-in during the COVID-19 pandemic.Botha's coaching experience includes stints with Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, and Islamabad United in the PSL, Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20, and Seattle Orcas in the MLC. He was also an assistant coach with the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL.Queensland Cricket head of elite cricket Joe Dawes believes Botha's "harder edge" will benefit the Bulls and Heat. Botha expressed excitement about the opportunity, saying, "There is a lot to look forward to for Queensland Cricket."Botha's appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and a focus on competitiveness to the Queensland and Heat programs. His extensive experience and proven leadership skills will be valuable assets as the teams aim for success in the upcoming seasons.