BCCI to invite applications for new head coach of Indian men’s team

Rahul Dravid was given a short-term extension until the T20 World Cup. His two-year contract ran out after India lost the final of the ODI World Cup in November 2021.

The selection process for the head coach of the Indian Men’s Cricket team is scheduled to commence in the upcoming week. Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has confirmed that the current coach, Rahul Dravid, can reapply if he wishes to extend his tenure.

Rahul Dravid took over as the head coach in November 2021. His two-year contract expired after India lost in the final of the ODI World Cup last November, but he was given a short-term extension until the T20 World Cup. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the new head coach will have the option of taking charge until the ODI World Cup in 2027.

“We are looking for a long-term coach for three years,” Jay Shah said. There is no precedent for different coaches for different formats in Indian cricket. Besides, we have several players of all formats. Ultimately, it will be the Cricket Advisory Committee’s (CAC’s) call. I have to implement what they decide. If the CAC selects a foreign coach, I can’t interfere.”

Even before the head coach applications are invited, the three-member CAC – headed by former batter Ashok Malhotra and including Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik – will have to finalize the prolonged appointment of a national selector.

“A few interviews for the selector’s post have already happened. The CAC will meet in a week to finalize the name, and we will announce it soon,” Shah said.

In January, BCCI advertised for a national selector’s post to follow the tradition of having representation from each of the five zones on the selection panel. However, the north zone has had no representation on the selection panel for over a year, while the west zone has had two members since last July.

Salil Ankola is set to be replaced by a new appointee. It is understood that Mithun Manhas and Nikhil Chopra are the main contenders to join the panel chaired by Ajit Agarkar.

“The Impact Player rule was brought in as a test case. On the bright side, it is providing additional playing opportunities to two more Indian players in every match,” Shah said.

“We will consult with the franchise captains, players, franchises, and broadcasters and then decide on the future course. It’s not a permanent rule, and I am not saying we will move past it.”

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