By Prakhar Sachdeo
CNBC-TV18.com
Published May 15, 2024
The BCCI has invited applications for the post of Indian men's cricket team's head coach as incumbent Rahul Dravid's tenure will end with next month's T20 World Cup in the Americas. Here are some of the top contenders to become Rahul Dravid's successor.
Image: Reuters
Image: Reuters
VVS Laxman is a runaway favourite. The 49-year-old has been NCA's head for past three years and is overseeing the development of next batch of Indian cricketers through board's pathways system (India A and India U19). He has also had experience of coaching the senior team when Dravid was in leave. The Indian team under his guidance played in the Asian Games, bilateral T20s versus Australia at home and away series in England, New Zealand and Ireland. With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami still around for at least two more years, Laxman with his cricketing acumen and genial demeanour could be the bridge between old and new in Indian cricket.
Among those who have played top flight cricket in the last 10 years and saw formats evolve, Gambhir's tactical nous cannot be ignored. Two IPL titles as captain with KKR, back-to-back play-offs with LSG in their first two years, Gambhir has always been praised for his man management skills. Under him, a rejuvenated KKR are back in play-offs but a proud man that he is, will Gambhir apply on his own if he isn't sent feelers by the BCCI top brass?
Ashes and T20 World Cup winning Australian coach is a good tactician but also a strict disciplinarian. In a recent interview, Langer did say that he is not averse to giving it a thought but being an India coach could be both mentally and physically demanding. The same perks are always available in the IPL, working just for two months a year. If Dravid doesn't reapply, the most important series would be the one Down Under and who better than 'JL' to provide some inside information about his 'home team'.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming is also a frontrunner to become India's next coach. The former New Zealand captain has coached CSK to their five IPL titles and two Champions League wins. He has also coached Joburg Super Kings in SA20 and Texas Super Kings of Major League Cricket.
Former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting is also one of the contenders to become the team's coach. Ponting has coached Mumbai Indians in the IPL in past and is the current headcoach of Delhi Capitals. Under him the Capitals finished 3rd in 2019, 2nd in 2020 and 3rd again in 2021. He has also served as interm coach of Australian cricket team for a short period in 2017-18. Earlier this year he was announced as the new coach of Washington Freedom, a team in Major Leagiue Cricket.