The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to reveal the new head coach for the Indian cricket team before the upcoming limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, which begins later this month. Although the name of the new coach has not been officially disclosed, speculation suggests that former opener Gautam Gambhir may take over from Rahul Dravid.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed this development, noting that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) had completed interviews and shortlisted two candidates. “Both coach and selector appointments will be announced soon,” Shah said in a statement to PTI. “The CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names. Once we reach Mumbai, we will finalize the decision based on their recommendations. VVS Laxman is heading to Zimbabwe, but a new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series.”
The two candidates shortlisted by the CAC are former players Gautam Gambhir and former India women’s coach WV Raman. The Indian cricket team will be touring Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs, starting on July 27.
Jay Shah also announced that Team India would receive Rs. 125 crores for winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Currently in the Caribbean with the Indian squad after their recent T20 World Cup victory, Jay Shah commended key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their crucial roles in the final against South Africa, which India won by seven runs. Both Sharma and Kohli have since announced their retirement from T20 international cricket, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also retiring shortly thereafter.
“It was the same captain last year and here in Barbados,” Shah commented. “We won all games except the final in 2023, where Australia played better. This time, we worked even harder and played better to win the title. Experience is vital in World Cups, and from Rohit to Virat, all performed exceptionally. A good player knows when to retire, and we saw that with Rohit. His strike rate is better than many younger players.”
Addressing Hardik Pandya’s performance and his potential as captain, Shah mentioned that leadership decisions would be made after discussions with the selectors. “Captaincy will be decided by the selectors, and we will announce it after consulting them. There were questions about Hardik’s form, but we and the selectors showed faith in him, and he delivered.”
Speaking about the team’s transition following the retirement of key players, Shah said, “The transition has already begun with the retirement of three greats.”
India, which had faced numerous setbacks in major finals over the past decade, ended their title drought with the recent T20 World Cup victory. Jay Shah expressed confidence in maintaining this winning momentum. “I want India to win all the titles,” he stated. “We have the deepest bench strength; only three players from this team are going to Zimbabwe. We can field three teams if necessary. Our goal is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy with a similar squad, including the veterans.”
Plans for a celebration to honor the victorious squad are being made but have been delayed due to a hurricane warning that has closed the airport in Barbados. “Like you, we are also stuck here,” Shah said. “Once the travel plans are sorted, we will think about the celebration.”
Shah also confirmed that an India A team would tour Australia later this year to prepare for the five-Test series Down Under.