There's a lot of buzz going around the position of the Indian cricket team's head coach. Rahul Dravid's tenure comes to an end after the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 which is set to be held in the United States and West Indies. BCCI has invited applications for the position of head coach of the senior men's team. The last date for submission of applications is May 27. There are reports that the board has already started reaching out to potential candidates including KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir.
Akash Chopra on Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir's former Delhi state teammate has addressed how Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the Indian head coach might not be the best of moves. He praised the KKR mentor but said Gambhir is quite straightforward and his coaching style might not suit the Indian team that consists of many senior players.
"Not a bad choice, there is no doubt about that, because he is a straightforward person. He knows how to manage and build a team. I really rate him high when it comes to the auction. However, there will be no auction for the Indian team. Gautam Gambhir - the coach, Very strong personality. When there is a transition, a new captain is coming, then yes. However, if the team has a lot of seniors already, I will be a little wary because Gauti's style of working is almost like a strict father. When the father is strict, the children have to be a little careful," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
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"When you have very senior players in the team, you are looking for a big brother who keeps his hand on their shoulders and doesn't try to impose himself. With Gautam that's not going to happen. It's very simple with him. My way or the high way. When it's 'my way' then every time, especially when seniors are there, things may not always fall your way. You can do that with young players. That is what I feel," he added.
Gambhir has not coached any domestic side in his career. However, he has led teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL playoffs under his mentorship.
BCCI's selection criteria
“The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates,” the BCCI said in a release.
Here are the minimum requirements for the head coach position
- The applicant should have played 30 Tests or 50 ODIs; or
- The applicant is of a full-member Test-playing nation. He should have represented his side for at least two years; or
- The applicant should have been head coach of an Associate member nation/Indian Premier League (IPL) team or an international T20 league/First-class team/national A teams, for a minimum period of three years; or
- The applicant should have BCCI Level 3 Certification or equivalent. Also, the applicant should be below 60 years of age.
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