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The BCCI is set to select a new head coach for Team India shortly. Rahul Dravid’s term as head coach will conclude next month following the conclusion of the upcoming T20 World Cup, slated to take place from June 1 to 29.
The former India captain reportedly opted not to extend his contract as head coach, choosing instead to prioritize spending time with his family. Following this decision, the BCCI initiated the process of inviting applications for the position, with the deadline set for May 27. The board will now proceed to shortlist the candidates and conduct interviews before finalizing the appointment of the new head coach.
At present, there is limited clarity regarding Rahul Dravid’s successor. Several prominent names have been associated with the role, including Stephen Fleming, Mahela Jayawardene, and Gautam Gambhir. Speculation also surrounded figures like Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, although BCCI secretary Jay Shah recently dispelled these rumors.
Rajkumar Sharma shows a preference for MS Dhoni.
Numerous reports suggest that the BCCI is enthusiastic about appointing Gautam Gambhir as the next head coach of Team India. Despite Gambhir’s lack of experience coaching national or state teams to date, the board is inclined towards selecting him to succeed Dravid in the coaching role.
Nonetheless, Virat Kohli’s childhood coach has expressed a preference for former India skipper MS Dhoni to assume the role of Team India’s new coach. Despite Dhoni’s current ineligibility due to his active status as a cricketer, Sharma asserted that the legendary figure would be a commendable choice for the position.
In an interaction with India News’ CRICIT PREDICTA program, Sharma said said: “First of all, it will be interesting to see which names apply for this post. I would like that whoever becomes the coach should be an Indian.
If Mahendra Singh Dhoni announces retirement, he can prove to be a good option. He (Dhoni) has played a lot of cricket and has won big tournaments. Dhoni will have more respect in the dressing room and he has played this format for a long time.
Being able to plan for the team and manage it properly, is most needed in the team because when Dhoni became the captain, there were big players in that team like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh were present. Despite this, Dhoni handled the team brilliantly,” he added.
In 2021, Dhoni served as a mentor for Team India during the T20 World Cup but didn’t leave a significant mark. India’s performance was disappointing, unable to advance to the semifinals following defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand.
