As the hunt for the next head coach of the Indian cricket team heats up, attention turns to finding a successor to Rahul Dravid, whose tenure concludes after the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India or BCCI aims to have a new coach in place by July 1, tasked with guiding the team through major tournaments until 2027, including the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Reports suggest that an overseas coach may lead the Indian team for the first time in years.
According to Sportstar, Dravid, who received an extension after the 2023 ODI World Cup, has informed the BCCI of his decision not to seek further extension due to personal reasons, despite requests from some seniors to continue with the Test team.
Speculation surrounded VVS Laxman, head of the National Cricket Academy, as a potential candidate, but he is unlikely to vie for the position, the report added.
Amidst the speculation, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming emerges as a leading contender, with reports indicating BCCI’s interest in him due to his successful tenure as Chennai Super Kings head coach in the Indian Premier League-IPL. However, CSK has refuted rumours of any communication between Fleming and the franchise.
“I have not heard anything like this. There has been no communication from Stephen Fleming to CSK either,” stated CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan.
Further reports suggest that Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting is also under consideration for the role.
