Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has confirmed that Team India’s new head coach will join the squad ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka series. This announcement comes following the conclusion of Rahul Dravid’s tenure, culminating with India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they defeated South Africa by seven runs to claim the trophy after 17 years.
Speaking to reporters in Barbados, Shah mentioned that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has conducted interviews and shortlisted two candidates for the coaching role. He indicated that they will announce the final decision upon returning to Mumbai. In the interim, former India cricketer VVS Laxman will oversee the team during their tour to Zimbabwe.
Shah emphasized that both the coach and selector appointments are imminent, with the expectation that the new head coach will assume responsibilities from the Sri Lanka series onwards. Among the speculated candidates, Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a strong contender for the position. Known for his significant contributions to Indian cricket, including victories in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, Gambhir has garnered praise for his recent mentoring role with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who clinched their third IPL title with a dominant performance in the latest season.
With the Sri Lanka tour comprising three T20Is and three ODIs starting from July 27, the BCCI aims to swiftly finalize the coaching staff to ensure continuity and preparation ahead of upcoming international commitments.
