The Indian cricket team is set to welcome a new head coach for their upcoming limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah. However, Shah did not disclose the identity of Rahul Dravid’s successor, who will take over from the outgoing coach.
It is widely speculated that former opener Gautam Gambhir is poised to step into the role. The Cricket Advisory Committee has conducted interviews for the position, short-listing Gambhir along with former India women’s coach W V Raman. Shah, currently with the victorious India squad in the Caribbean following their T20 World Cup triumph over South Africa, expressed his joy over India’s ICC title win after an 11-year wait.
He commended the pivotal contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who delivered crucial performances in the final match. Both players announced their retirement from T20Is after the tournament, joined shortly after by Ravindra Jadeja.
Jay Shah said: “Both coach and selector appointment will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but new coach will join from Sri Lanka series.”
India’s upcoming schedule includes a tour of Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and as many ODIs starting on July 27th. Shah also confirmed plans to appoint a selector soon. Reflecting on India’s history of faltering in major finals over the past decade, Shah expressed optimism that their recent success marks the beginning of a more consistent winning streak.
Regarding the captaincy issue post-Rohit Sharma, Shah indicated that the decision rests with the selectors, emphasizing their faith in Hardik Pandya despite initial doubts about his form. He also disclosed plans for India A to tour Australia later this year ahead of a five-Test series.
He added: “It was same captain last year and same here in Barbados. We won all games except the final in 2023 as Australia played better. This time we worked even harder and played better to win the title. If you look at other teams, experience counts. From Rohit to Virat, all excelled. Experience makes a lot of difference, in World Cups you can’t experiment much also.”
However, celebratory plans have been delayed due to a hurricane warning in Barbados, where the team is stranded following the T20 World Cup. Shah assured that once travel arrangements are resolved, the BCCI will organize a suitable felicitation for the victorious squad.
Amidst transitions in coaching and player retirements, the Indian cricket team looks forward to building on their recent triumph under new leadership, aiming for sustained success in future international competitions.
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