In what has been the latest development as reported by PTI, it has emerged that the deadline for submission of applications for the post of Team India’s head coach has ended. Reports claim that no big foreign name has applied for the job, while NCA chief VVS Laxman appears to be uninterested.
What has been the biggest headline is that Gautam Gambhir has decided to remain silent on the development. Also, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not said anything about bringing in Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor for the team’s head coach position.
Ever since the BCCI invited applications for the head coach of Team India, Gautam Gambhir’s name has been floating in the headlines. There were reports that the governing body approached KKR’s mentor, who also expressed his desire to do the same.
Reports claimed that the BCCI’s main objective was to get VVS Laxman as the head coach. However, the fact that he has not shown any interest has complicated things for them. He wasn’t very interested in the position, as the position requires the candidate to be on the team for 10 months.
Furthermore, Jay Shah categorically mentioned that they need someone with deep knowledge of the domestic circuit, big foreign names have not been on the candidate list. Earlier, the BCCI secretary claimed that they did not approach any foreign coach when Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer claimed that they had rejected the proposal.
A source close to the BCCI claimed that although the deadline has already passed, the governing body will take some time before finalizing the jibe. Speaking to PTI, he explained:
“The deadline is fine, but the BCCI top brass would not mind taking more time before taking a decision. Right now, the team will be busy with World T20 for most of June. After that, the seniors will rest from tours to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, where any of the NCA senior coaches can accompany the team. So what’s the rush?
Not easy for Gautam Gambhir to leave KKR – Reports
Reports also claim that the BCCI does not have too many quality options available at the moment. Regarding Gautam Gambhir, it is learned that it may not be easy for the former Indian cricketer to leave the Kolkata Knight Riders, of whom he mentors.
There were reports that KKR principal owner Shah Rukh Khan offered a blank check to Gautam Gambhir to stay with the franchise for 10 years. It is also learned that if the KKR mentor takes up the role, he first needs to get a clean slate from the senior players as he can replace Rahul Dravid.
Under Gambhir’s mentorship, Kolkata won IPL 2024. They defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final and after that, he hit the headlines as there has been a lot of speculation about his future as head coach. He was also seen chatting with Jay Shah after the IPL final.