The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce a new Indian cricket team head coach before a limited overs series against Sri Lanka set to start later this month.
Former opener Gautam Gambhir is expected to replace Rahul Dravid, although the identity of the new coach has not yet been revealed. BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that the CAC had interviewed and shortlisted two candidates for the role of head coach.
“Soon both coaches and selectors will be appoited,” PTI quoted Jay Shah. “CAC have interviewed and shortlisted two names and they are on their way back from there whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going Zimbabwe but a new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series.” Gambhir was one of two players who were shortlisted by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly along with WV Raman, who was previously at the helm of India’s women’s team. The Indian national cricket team will play three T20Is and three ODIs in Sri Lanka starting from July 27th.
Jay Shah commended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, key players in the Indian squad taking part in the T20 World Cup tournament currently being held in the Caribbean Islands following an incredible win by this team. They played important roles during our final game against South Africa when we won by seven runs. Sharma announced his retirement from T20 international cricket while Kohli also followed suit shortly after Jadeja’s announcement.
“It was same captain last year and here in Barbados,” Shah said. “We won all games except last due to Australia playing better than us in 2023. This time we worked even harder and played better to win it [the title]. If you look at other teams, experience counts. All those guys did well right from Rohit till Virat… Experience makes a lot of difference because you don’t experiment too much in World Cups. A good cricketer knows when to say goodbye to cricket and we saw that yesterday. You look at Rohit’s strike rate, it is better than a lot of young players.”
Jay Shah also spoke about Hardik Pandya’s performance during the World Cup. As well as his chances of being named as captain. “As far as captaincy is concerned. It will be decided by the selectors and we will announce once we have had an opportunity to discuss with them. You asked about Hardik, there were a lot of questions over his form but we and selectors showed faith in him and he proved himself.”
Shah added on the need for youngsters to come into the side after the retirement of greats. “Transition has already happened with three greats retiring,” he said.
India who has over the last decade suffered several heartaches in major finals finally broke their trophy jinx by winning the T20 World Cup recently. Jay Shah was optimistic that they would build on this success tomorrow.
“I would want India to win all the titles,” said Shah. “We have got enormous bench strength; only three players from this team are going to Zimbabwe. Should there be a need you can put up three teams. The way this team is progressing, our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy… There will be a similar squad playing there while seniors will be there.”
However, plans for holding a felicitation ceremony for these victorious men are being delayed since. Barbados airport has been closed due to hurricane alert
“Just like you, we also got stuck,” said Shah. “Once the travel plans are clear, we will think about how to acknowledge him.”
Shah has also confirmed that India A team will be going on a tour of Australia in preparation for this year’s five-Test series Down Under.
