The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively searching for a new head coach for the Indian men’s cricket team, with Rahul Dravid set to step down after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Dravid, who took over the reins in November 2021, has overseen the team through various highs and lows, and his tenure will conclude after the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Candidates in line for India Head Coach role
As the BCCI gears up for a transition, several high-profile names have surfaced as potential candidates for the head coach position. The speculation includes:
Gautam Gambhir: The former Indian opener and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who recently clinched their third IPL title, is being talked about for his strategic acumen and leadership qualities.
Stephen Fleming: The former New Zealand captain and current head coach of the Chennai Super Kings, who has a successful track record in the IPL, is another name in the mix.
The BCCI has not yet released an official list of candidates, and the application process has drawn significant public interest.
Fans’ favourite MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket, is often touted as an ideal candidate for the head coach position. His unparalleled success as captain, leading India to victories in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, speaks volumes about his leadership and strategic prowess. Dhoni’s deep understanding of the game and his ability to remain calm under pressure have earned him immense respect from players and fans alike.
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Reason why Dhoni cannot apply for India Head Coach job
Despite widespread support from fans, Dhoni is still not eligible to become the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Notably, the BCCI’s eligibility criteria for the head coach role stipulate that candidates must be retired from playing in all formats of the game. Although Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, he continues to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His participation in the IPL disqualifies him from applying for the head coach position.
Other roles for MSD
Dhoni remains an influential figure in Indian cricket. His recent performance in the IPL 2024, where he maintained a strike rate of over 220 and was dismissed only three times in 11 innings, underscores his enduring prowess. While he cannot take up the head coach role, Dhoni’s involvement with the national team in other capacities remains a possibility. He previously mentored the team during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, though the team did not advance beyond the group stage.
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