Gautam Gambhir unconfirmed as Team India's head coach; Faces competition from WV Raman - Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working to find the right candidate for the head coach role as Rahul Dravid will step down from his role following the T20 World Cup 2024. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner to become head coach, but BCCI also interviewed WV Raman.

Rahul Dravid replaced Ravi Shastri as head coach of the Indian team after the 2021 T20 World Cup. Dravid is currently coaching the team for the last time during the T20 World Cup 2024. The former Indian captain confirmed that he would not reapply for the high-profile job and his contract will end in June.

WV Raman's Presentation Was Very Impressive And Detailed - Source

As per the latest developments, BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) recently interviewed Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman for the head coach position. Gambhir was initially expected to be the sole applicant. He mentored the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2024.

According to a report by News18, Gambhir and Raman were interviewed for the head coach role. It has been learned that Raman's presentation was 'very impressive' and detailed, while Gambhir attended the interview virtually. The CAC is scheduled to interview an overseas candidate on Wednesday, June 19.

“Gambhir had a virtual interview but Raman’s presentation was very impressive and detailed. The CAC is likely to interview an overseas candidate tomorrow. Gambhir has the edge but Raman’s presentation was very thorough,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying.

Two candidates were interviewed by the CAC, comprising  Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik. Ashok Malhotra participated virtually and resumed his commentary duties after interviewing Gambhir.

It's Not That Straightforward And BCCI Too Can Propose - Source

The report mentioned that the BCCI has not yet made decisions regarding the support staff vacancies for the new head coach. While the head coach will have significant input in these appointments, the BCCI can also suggest candidates they find suitable.

“Yes, the head coach has a big say in these appointments because he would want people he is comfortable working with. Having said that, it’s not that straightforward and BCCI too can propose their own candidates or people they think are ideal for the job. Ultimately it will be Gautam Gambhir, who is likely to become the coach, who would decide his team,” the source added.

The BCCI To Appoint a Selector From North Zone

The BCCI has initiated the selection process for a new selector, with interviews scheduled for the single position advertised in January. Currently, Ajit Agarkar and Salil Ankola are from the West Zone. The Indian Cricket Board aims to include representation from the North Zone in its selection committee.

Several candidates, including Kishan Mohan, Nikhil Chopra, Mithun Manhas, and Reetinder Singh Sodhi, have applied for the selector job. Sodhi and Manhas are considered front-runners to join the men's senior selection committee chaired by Agarkar.

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