Intrigue increases as search for a new Indian coach intensifies

Rahul Dravid will not renew his contract

Any guesses who the next coach would be?

The quest for India’s next head coach continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts, gaining momentum since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its invitation for applications following Rahul Dravid’s tenure. With the deadline set for May 27, conjecture abounds regarding potential successors, igniting fervent discussions across cricketing circles.

Also Read: What next for Rahul Dravid after quitting as Team India coach?

Recent reports have fueled speculation, with names like Gautam Gambhir and Mahela Jayawardene surfacing as contenders for the coveted role, slated from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. Sources say that Jayawardene, the esteemed former Sri Lankan captain, remains uninvolved in the race. Happy with his current role within the Mumbai Indians setup, Jayawardene serves as the franchise’s global head of performance, overseeing coaching and scouting operations across various international T20 leagues such as the SA20 and ILT20. Despite his significant coaching achievements, including guiding Mumbai Indians to three IPL titles, Jayawardene’s focus remains solely on his existing responsibilities. Notably, he has also lent his expertise as a consultant to the Sri Lankan men’s team during recent World Cup campaigns.

Another prominent name linked to the position was former Australia head coach, Justin Langer. However, Langer swiftly quashed speculations surrounding his candidacy, unequivocally ruling himself out during a post-match discourse following the conclusion of Lucknow Super Giants’ IPL 2024 campaign on May 17.

As the anticipation mounts and the application window narrows, cricket aficionados await with bated breath for the announcement that will determine the future stewardship of the Indian cricket team.