The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially begun the hunt for a new head coach for the national men’s cricket team. This announcement, made by BCCI secretary Jay Shah in Mumbai on Wednesday, clarifies the future of the coaching staff after Rahul Dravid‘s contract expires in June.
Open Application Process and Diverse Candidate Pool
The BCCI has confirmed that the position will be advertised publicly, allowing any qualified candidate, including Dravid himself, to apply. Jay Shah also emphasized that the nationality of the new coach is an open question. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) will be responsible for the final selection, and the BCCI, as a global sporting body, welcomes applications from both Indian and foreign coaches.
Long-Term Commitment Sought
The BCCI is seeking a long-term commitment from the new coach of India Cricket Team, with an initial contract period of three years. This stability is intended to foster a consistent approach and allow the coach to build a strong working relationship with the players.
Specialist Coaches to be Chosen by New Head Coach
The selection of support staff, such as batting, bowling, and fielding coaches, will be determined after the appointment of the head coach. This ensures that the chosen coaches align with the head coach’s overall strategy and vision for the team.
All-Format Coaching the Preferred Approach
The BCCI has indicated a preference for a single coach to oversee all formats of the game (Test, ODI, T20). This aligns with the presence of several all-format players in the Indian team, such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant. Additionally, the BCCI has not previously employed separate coaches for different formats.
Focus on Long-Term Success
With the search for a new coach underway, the BCCI is making a clear statement about its commitment to building a strong and successful Indian cricket team for the years to come.