Gautam Gambhir sole candidate for role of Indian men's cricket team head coach
Former India opening batter Gautam Gambhir is set to face an important interview today as he is the lone applicant for the prestigious role of head coach of the Indian men's national cricket team. The current term of head coach Rahul Dravid concludes after the ongoing T20 World Cup being held in USA and Caribbean islands.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had invited applications for the head coach position in mid-May, with the deadline being the day after the conclusion of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) final on May 27th. Gambhir, who has extensive experience at the highest level as a player for India and in domestic cricket, had submitted his application for the coveted coaching job.
He is presently serving as the mentor of IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders, having guided them to victories in the 2022 and 2024 editions of the tournament. Gambhir will make his pitch to the 3-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising former cricketers Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe and Sulakshana Naik via a video call interview session scheduled for today.
Along with considering Gambhir for the India head coach role, the CAC will also interview candidates to fill the selector position vacated by Salil Ankola. With Ankola and chief selector Ajit Agarkar both being from the West Zone, it is likely that the new selector will be from the North Zone to maintain geographical balance.
The appointed head coach's term will be from July 2024 until December 2027, spanning the next ODI World Cup in India. Following the interviews, the CAC will provide their recommendations to the BCCI who will then make an official announcement. With Gambhir the only applicant, he appears the frontrunner for one of international cricket's most coveted jobs if he makes a strong case in today's interview.
