BCCI on Monday announced that it is seeking applications for Team India's new Head Coach. BCCI Head Coach Recruitment announcement confirmed that Rahul Dravid will not extend his contract after the T20 World Cup 2024. Team India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign will be Rahul Dravid's last project with Rohit Sharma & Co. Under Rahul Dravid's coaching, Team India reached the Cricket World Cup 2024 finals, however, the Men In Blue lost in Ahmedabad to Pat Cummins-led Australia. Now, three names have popped up on whom the BCCI is mulling to hire them. To be precise, BCCI will hire one of the candidates as Team India's next Head Coach. Below is the top contenders for Team India's Head Coach-
1) Stephen Fleming
As per reports, BCCI has approached CSK's head coach Stephen Fleming, and former SRH coach Tom Moody for the top job in the Indian cricket team. The BCCI is keen on getting on board former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming as Rahul Dravid's successor and if the former Kiwi skipper applies for the role, things will be taken forward. Reports further suggest that Stephen Fleming is likely to apply for Team India's Head Coach before the board's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) begins interviewing the shortlisted candidates. Fleming's success with the Super Kings in the IPL is well-documented. Coming on board as the head coach of the team in 2009, Fleming and MS Dhoni helped CSK evolve into a winning machine.
2) Justin Langer
Former Australian Team coach Justin Langer is also in the fray. Under Langer, Australia lifted the T20 World Cup. Currently, Langer is the Head Coach of Lucknow Super Giants. As per reports, Justin Langer has admitted that being in India as the head can be both mentally and physically demanding.
3) VVS Laxman
If the BCCI follows its system and trends that fans have witnessed then National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman is a frontrunner in replacing Rahul Dravid as the head coach of Team India. Laxman has been taking care of the NCA for the past three years. Laxman was also roped in as interim head coach in Dravid's absence. Under Laxman's watch, India has contested the Asian Games and bilateral T20Is against Australia, England, New Zealand and Ireland.
It is pertinent to mention here that whoever will be appointed Team India's Head Coach will carry out his work for 3.5 years (July 1st, 2024, to Dec 31st, 2027).