Former India opener Gautam Gambhir was interviewed by the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Tuesday, June 18, for the head coach role of the Indian men’s cricket team.

According to a CricketNext report, Gambhir attended the interview virtually from his residence and was one of the two candidates interviewed by the CAC members, former cricketers Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe, and Sulakshana Naik.

Having led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL 2024 title, Gambhir is considered a leading candidate for the position. However, former India cricketer WV Raman also made a strong case during his interview.

The report, citing sources within the BCCI, indicated that Raman’s presentation was highly impressive, and the CAC is likely to interview an overseas candidate on Wednesday, June 19.

“Gambhir had a virtual interview, but Raman’s presentation was very detailed and impressive. The CAC is expected to interview an overseas candidate tomorrow. While Gambhir has an advantage, Raman’s thorough presentation makes him a strong contender,” a BCCI official told CricketNext.

There is still uncertainty about how the BCCI will handle the various support staff appointments, which will become clearer once the head coach is selected.

“The head coach plays a significant role in these appointments because he would prefer working with people he is comfortable with. However, it’s not straightforward, as the BCCI can also propose their own candidates or those they consider ideal for the job. Ultimately, it will likely be Gautam Gambhir, if he becomes the coach, who will decide his team,” an informed source said, according to CricketNext.

Additionally, the report disclosed that the Indian cricket board has approached shortlisted candidates for the selector position, with interviews scheduled for the single vacancy. The new selector, likely from the North Zone, is expected to replace Salil Ankola.

Candidates for the selector role include Kishan Mohan, Nikhil Chopra, Mithun Manhas, and Reetinder Singh Sodhi, with Sodhi and Manhas being frontrunners to join the men’s senior selection committee, currently led by Ajit Agarkar.