The BCCI will reportedly soon invite applications for Team India’s support staff as they look to announce new coaches soon.
Team India will have a new support team in the coming days. Head coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure came to an end after the completion of the T20 World Cup last month. Along with him, batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and fielding coach T Dilip have also parted ways with the team.
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has already interviewed two candidates for the head coach post. Last month, former India cricketers Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman were interviewed for the post. According to media reports, Gambhir is the favourite to replace Dravid as the head coach of the team.
The former India batsman recently posted a farewell video at Eden Gardens to share a special message for the Kolkata Knight Riders fans. Gambhir had plied his trade as a mentor for KKR this year, helping them win the IPL before deciding to apply for the India job. According to a report by The Indian Express, the BCCI is yet to announce Gambhir as the head coach as both sides are still negotiating the salary.
Gautam Gambhir to select support staff:
While the BCCI will invite applications for Team India’s support staff, Gautam Gambhir will have a free hand in choosing his support staff. The outlet also claimed that Team India might decide not to appoint a batting coach due to Gambhir’s experience. Gambhir has been one of India’s most successful openers across all formats.
Gambhir is yet to coach a state or national team but has impressed as a mentor in the IPL. In 2022 and 2023, he mentored the Lucknow Super Giants and helped them qualify for the playoffs in both seasons. Incidentally, LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs this year after Gambhir left them for KKR.
On the other hand, KKR won the IPL after a long gap of 10 years with Gambhir as their mentor. The BCCI will hope that Gambhir maintains the same impressive record with Team India as well. India is currently in Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series with VVS Laxman as the head coach.