BCCI Invites Application for Indian Men’s Team Coaching Post

The BCCI on Monday invited applications for the post of head coach of the Indian cricket team for a period of three-and-a-half years as incumbent Rahul Dravid’s tenure will end with next month’s T20 World Cup in the Americas. The deadline to submit an application is May 27, 2024, the council said in a press release. “The selection process will include a thorough analysis of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates,” the statement further stated.

The newly selected coach will take charge of the team from July 1, immediately after the T20 World Cup in the Americas, and the mandate will expire on December 31, 2027.

The BCCI stipulated that the candidate, under 60 years of age, should have played a minimum of 30 Tests or 50 ODIs and the candidate should have performed a similar role as a full member Test nation for a minimum period of two years.

Recently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that Dravid will have to reapply if he wants to continue in the role for the T20 World Cup.

“Rahul Dravid’s tenure is coming to an end. He will have to apply again if he wants to continue. We are looking for a long-term coach, for three years,” Shah recently informed select media.

But the proposed long term – 3.5 years – makes it difficult for Dravid to run again as he has already held the position since November 2021.

Originally his two-year contract ended with the 50-over World Cup at home last year, but was extended due to lack of time to appoint a new coach ahead of India’s tour to South Africa and the T20 World Cup in the Americas.

However, the new coach will have some important tasks to complete during his tenure, which could begin with the white-ball series away to Sri Lanka in July.

Next up are two home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand before traveling to Australia for the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy, of which India are the holders.

Then there’s the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025, plus a trip to England in the middle of that year. A year later, India and Sri Lanka will co-host the T20 World Cup and the 50s World Cup is also on the calendar in 2027 in South Africa.

The new coach will also have to deal with the transition of strong hitters Virat Kohli and current captain Rohit Sharma, who are in the overnight phase of a glittering career at 35 and 37 respectively.