Cricket

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.

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.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as Team India's head coach is set to expire in June 2023, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to initiate the search for his successor. The appointment of the new coach will be followed by the selection of assistant coaches for batting, bowling, and fielding, as per a report by Cricbuzz.BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Dravid's contract ends in June and that he is eligible to reapply if he desires. The new coach's tenure is expected to span three years. Shah emphasized that the decision regarding the nationality of the coach will be made by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), highlighting the BCCI's global outlook.Traditionally, the BCCI has appointed a single coach for all formats of the game. However, Shah indicated that the CAC will determine whether this practice will continue or if separate coaches will be appointed for white-ball and Test cricket.The BCCI's decision-making process will be guided by the CAC, which will evaluate candidates and make recommendations. Shah noted that there is no precedent for such a situation in India, where a head coach's tenure has ended and a new one has been appointed.The BCCI's search for a new head coach is expected to attract a wide range of candidates, both domestic and international. The successful candidate will be tasked with guiding Team India through a challenging period, including the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023 and the ICC World Test Championship final in 2023.

India's T20 World Cup Strategy: Balancing Superstars and PlanningFormer West Indies captain Brian Lara has emphasized the importance of a tailored strategy for India's head coach Rahul Dravid to optimize the performance of superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas.Lara believes that while the team's experience is valuable, it's crucial to avoid relying solely on individual brilliance. "Sometimes when you have a team with a lot of superstars, you forget the plan and you believe that the superstars can do it," he said. "They just have to turn up."Lara cited the example of the West Indies team during the 1987 ODI World Cup, which despite being led by the legendary Sir Vivian Richards, failed to reach the semifinals. "Obviously when you have such great players, you want to stick to that experience because you feel that they can do it," he said.Lara advised Dravid to ensure a clear plan is in place, especially given the big names in the Indian squad. "You've got a lot of exciting young players coming out and you also have that sort of conundrum," he said. "India have gone with a team that has experience. My advice, and it's not my criticism, it's my advice to Rahul Dravid is to make sure and have a plan."While acknowledging the omission of Rinku Singh as unfortunate, Lara expressed confidence in the team's ability to win the World Cup. "The team is capable of winning the World Cup," he said. "Yes, it's a team that have maybe a couple of youngsters missing because of the situation. But I still believe that if they plan properly. India could win the World Cup."

Sanju Samson's IPL Journey: A Tale of Fate and DeterminationIndian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson's entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a serendipitous event, shaped by a fabricated tale and the unwavering support of former Indian cricketer S Sreesanth.Samson, now the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, revealed in a viral video that Sreesanth's chance encounter with Rahul Dravid, then captain of the Royals, played a pivotal role in his IPL debut. While playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Samson struggled to break into the playing XI despite being part of the squad since 2009.During a match against the Royals, Sreesanth spotted Dravid in the hotel lobby and vouched for Samson, claiming that he had smashed six sixes in an over in a local tournament. Dravid, initially skeptical, was impressed by Samson's potential after watching him bat in practice games.Samson's IPL debut with the Royals in 2013 marked the beginning of a successful journey. He has since become a mainstay in the team and has led them to several victories. His resilience and determination have been instrumental in his rise from a promising talent to a respected leader in the IPL.Sreesanth's endorsement and Dravid's astute judgment played a crucial role in Samson's IPL journey. It highlights the unpredictable nature of professional cricket and the importance of recognizing talent when it presents itself. Samson's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that with hard work and a bit of luck, anything is possible.

Former Indian cricket captain and current head coach Rahul Dravid exercised his democratic right by casting his vote in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Bengaluru on Friday. Dravid, known for his humility and dedication, stood in line like any other citizen before casting his ballot at a polling booth in the Malleswaram constituency.After casting his vote, Dravid urged fellow citizens to participate in the electoral process. "Everyone must come out and vote. It is an opportunity we get in a democracy," he said to the media. Dravid's former teammate and legendary spinner Anil Kumble also cast his vote in Bengaluru, emphasizing the importance of exercising one's franchise.Karnataka, where Dravid and Kumble reside, is voting in two phases for the Lok Sabha elections. The second phase, held on Friday, saw polling in 14 constituencies, including Udupi Chikamagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, and Bangalore South. The BJP, which won 25 out of 28 seats in Karnataka in the 2019 elections, is contesting in 25 seats this time, while its ally JDS is contesting in the remaining three.The first phase of the seven-phased Lok Sabha election was held on April 19, with over 62% voter turnout. The third phase will take place on May 7. The Election Commission has implemented strict measures to ensure free and fair elections, including the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs).Dravid's participation in the electoral process serves as an inspiration to all citizens to fulfill their democratic duty. His message of urging people to vote highlights the importance of active participation in shaping the future of the nation.