India’s T20 World Cup 2024 final victory against South Africa in Barbados on Saturday (June 29) marked the end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach of the national team.

Gautam Gambhir is a leading candidate to succeed Dravid as head coach. Recently, the Cricket Advisory Committee reportedly conducted interviews for the position, short-listing Gambhir and former India women’s coach WV Raman.

While the BCCI has not officially commented on this matter, board secretary Jay Shah mentioned on Monday (July 12) that India’s new head coach would start their role with the white-ball series in Sri Lanka later this month.

Shah also announced that VVS Laxman, head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), would serve as the interim coach for the Indian team on their five-match T20I tour of Zimbabwe, beginning on July 6 in Harare.

Additionally, Shah stated that a new selector would be appointed soon. “Both the coach and selector appointments will be made shortly. The CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names, and we will follow their decision. VVS Laxman will go to Zimbabwe, but the new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series,” Shah told select media.

The Indian team is set to tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs starting July 27.

Following India’s T20 World Cup victory, star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20I cricket.

Regarding the possibility of Hardik Pandya succeeding Rohit as T20I captain and his impressive performance in the World Cup, Jay Shah said, “Captaincy will be decided by the selectors, and we will announce it after discussions. Hardik had many questions surrounding his form, but we and the selectors had faith in him, and he proved himself.”

India had lost five ICC finals since 2013, making this triumph a significant relief for the Rohit Sharma-led team.

Jay Shah expressed hope that the winning streak would continue and confirmed the participation of senior players like Rohit and Kohli in the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

“I want India to win all titles. We have the biggest bench strength; only three players from this team are going to Zimbabwe. We can field three teams if necessary. Our aim is to win the World Test Championship final and the Champions Trophy, with a similar squad including the seniors,” said Shah.