Gautam Gambhir: Gautam Gambhir is the only applicant for India’s head coach

Kolkata: Gautam Gambhir named India’s next head coach Head Coach Gambhir is set to be elected unopposed as the former India cricketer is reportedly the only applicant for the role. The BCCI had invited applicants in the first week of May 2024 after current head coach Rahul Dravid expressed his unwillingness to continue as India’s head coach after the ongoing T20 World Cup. The last date to apply for the role of India head coach was May 27. It was earlier reported that very few high-profile names have shown interest in taking up the role of India head coach, mainly due to the rigorous travel required for 10 months in a year. It has now become clear that Gambhir is the only applicant. The former India opener is scheduled to be interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee on Tuesday, the report said. Gambhir will appear before CAC Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik via a Zoom call. Gambhir was always BCCI’s first choice, but the absence of other applicants is a reminder that what was once a sought-after and high-profile job in world cricket is now a rarity for very few despite the lucrative remuneration offered by the board. The big names are more than happy with short stints in franchise leagues, where they are paid well and get enough time to spend with family.

Former opener Former opener Gambhir is being talked about as a possible replacement for Dravid after he has done a stellar job in reviving the Kolkata Knight Riders. Returning to the team he led for seven years, Gambhir played a key role in instilling a healthy team environment. This was reflected in KKR’s performance in IPL 2024, as they lifted the trophy after 10 years. After this, they topped the table at the end of the group stage for the first time. After the interviews, the CAC will give its recommendations to the board. The official announcement is likely to be made later. A BCCI source confirmed, “We are conducting interview sessions for candidates for the head coach and selector position. The CAC will submit its recommendations to the BCCI and after that the board will make an official announcement.” Like every other head coach, Gambhir will also be given the option to choose his support staff.

In all likelihood, Team India will bring in completely new support staff members Staff Members The CAC will travel to Zimbabwe with the selectors, as it is unlikely that Gambhir will continue to work with batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mahambre and fielding coach T Dilip. Like Dravid, their contracts are also expiring after the T20 World Cup. Apart from interviewing the only candidate for the role of head coach, the CAC will also conduct interviews for the vacant selector position replacing former India pacer Salil Ankola. The new selector is likely to be from the North Zone as both Ankola and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are from the West Zone. There is no written constitution regarding the zone-wise appointment of selectors, but it has been followed by the board for the last two decades. Agarkar was appointed in July last year and replaced Chetan Sharma, who stepped down after being at the centre of a sting operation. Ankola was already a selector when Agarkar took over.