New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir, the lone applicant for Team India’s head coach role, is likely to be interviewed today (June 18, Tuesday), according to a report. Gambhir is the only applicant for the top post, which will be vacant after Rahul Dravid, the current head coach, leaves the role after the T20 World Cup 2024.
Dravid’s tenure with the Men in Blue will end after the marquee event in the Americas, which concludes on June 29. Dravid’s contract was extended after the ODI World Cup 2023 in India.
The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) invited applicants in the first week of May 2024 Dravid refused to continue in the role. The deadline to apply for India’s head coach role was May 27.
As no high-profile names showed interest in the role, mainly due to workload, it has emerged that Gambhir is the only applicant. As per a report in the Indian Express, Gambhir is set to be interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) which comprises Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik. The interview is likely to be conducted on a Zoom call.
Why BCCI want Gambhir?
Gambhir’s stocks have risen since he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a sensational title win in IPL 2024. Gambhir returned to the KKR fold as a mentor seven years after his last season as a player in the Kolkata-based franchise. It was under Gambhir, Kolkata won IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. Gambhir’s tenure with Lucknow Super Giants was also a successful one. In his two years as LSG mentor, the former India opener guided the newcomers to playoff berths in successive seasons.
After CAC conducts the interview, it will give its recommendations to the Indian Cricket Board. The official announcement is likely to be made after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup.
“We are conducting an interview session for candidates for the post of head coach and selector. The CAC will submit its recommendation to the BCCI and the board will make an official announcement thereafter,” a BCCI source confirmed.
Gambhir, if appointed, will likely choose his support staff.
Gautam Gambhir is set to be interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) which comprises Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
