NEW DELHI: The race for the position of the Indian cricket team's head coach has intensified as incumbent
Rahul Dravid
signals his reluctance to continue beyond his current term, which concludes in June.
With no clear indication of VVS Laxman, the head coach of the National Cricket Academy, entering the fray, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (
BCCI
) is exploring alternatives, including seasoned foreign coaches.
According to a report on RevSportz, sources have revealed that
Stephen Fleming
of Chennai Super Kings and
Ricky Ponting
of Delhi Capitals have been informally approached by the BCCI, although their response has been lukewarm.
Despite their extensive knowledge of Indian cricket garnered through IPL stints, the prospect of a year-round commitment presents a potential deterrent.
Reflecting on India's coaching legacy, the BCCI has had notable successes with foreign coaches like John Wright and Gary Kirsten, who oversaw significant milestones including Test series victories abroad and a World Cup triumph. However, the preference shifted towards Indian coaches following an unsuccessful stint with Duncan Fletcher.
While the combination of
Ravi Shastri
and Virat Kohli witnessed remarkable successes in Test cricket, including historic victories in Australia and England, the duo fell short of clinching an ICC trophy. Dravid and Rohit Sharma's partnership led to commendable achievements, yet the quest for an ICC title remains unfulfilled.
The upcoming coach's tenure, spanning from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027, entails significant challenges such as the Test series in Australia and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
With the deadline for applications set for May 27, the impending decision regarding the next Indian cricket team's head coach looms, with foreign candidates emerging as the frontrunners in the ongoing selection process.
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