The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently opened applications for the head coach position of the senior Indian men’s team. Rahul Dravid, the current head coach, is expected to step down after the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA next month.

Reports suggest Dravid may not seek reappointment, leading to speculation that a new coach will take over following the T20 World Cup 2024. The BCCI announced that the new coach’s tenure will span from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027, with a May 27 deadline for applications.

The Times of India (TOI) reported that the BCCI is considering several high-profile candidates, including Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, and Mahela Jayawardene. However, the BCCI faces challenges in attracting these candidates due to their existing commitments with IPL teams. The role of India’s head coach requires a significant time commitment, involving around ten months of travel each year.

TOI indicated that Gambhir is a leading contender. Although Gambhir lacks international coaching experience, he has demonstrated his capabilities as a mentor, guiding the Lucknow Super Giants to the IPL playoffs in 2022 and 2023, and currently mentoring the Kolkata Knight Riders, who have reached the IPL final.

Despite rumors of friction, Gambhir reportedly maintains a good relationship with senior Indian players. Sources claim that any issues, such as the previous on-field altercation with Virat Kohli, have been resolved.

For the past decade, the Indian team has exclusively worked with Indian coaches, including Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid. The appointment of the new coach will follow this tradition.