The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene as a candidate for the head coach position of Team India. The board will accept applications over the next few weeks to find a successor to current coach Rahul Dravid.

Rahul Dravid became the head coach of Team India in November 2021 and signed a two-year contract. The 51-year-old has been granted an extension by the BCCI until the T20 World Cup in 2024. Dravid may reapply for the job but is reportedly not interested in working for the Indian cricket team again.

The BCCI is considering several candidates for the head coach post. The cricket board has reportedly contacted three foreign IPL coaches including Stephen Fleming and Ricky Ponting. According to ESPNCricinfo, Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has been approached for the job.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer is not interested in resuming international training after his stint with the Australian national cricket team. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming is also not likely to take up a full-time coaching role in the international team.

Mahela Jayawardene approached BCCI for head coach post

The Hindustan Times reported on Sunday, May 19, that Mahela Jayawardene is among the leading candidates to become India’s new head coach.

Mahela Jayawardene is currently serving as the Director of Cricket for the Mumbai Indians. The former Sri Lanka captain leads the franchise’s teams in different leagues globally. He previously served as head coach of the Mumbai Indians, leading them to three IPL championships in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is looking for a coach who is ready to commit to the next three-year cycle of ICC events of all formats, which includes ODI Champions Trophy 2025, T20 World Cup 2026, World Cup ODI 2027, and the World Test Championship cycles ending in 2025 and 2027.

“The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a world-class Indian cricket team that delivers sustained success in all conditions and formats, inspiring current and future generations of cricketers and stakeholders with their approach to the game.”

“The head coach will have overall responsibility for the performance and management of the Indian men’s team across all three formats of the game.”

“The head coach will lead a team of specialist coaches and support staff and will be responsible for defining their roles, performance and ongoing development.”

“The head coach will be responsible for reviewing, maintaining and enforcing disciplinary codes within the Indian men’s team.

The next coach of the Indian team will face a major challenge in overseeing a transition phase between different formats. As numerous players approach the end of their careers, the critical task of selecting suitable replacements for the team becomes crucial to ensuring long-term success.

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