Sourav Ganguly fuels speculation over India’s next head coach

The Indian cricket team is looking for its next head coach as the tenure of the current head coach, Rahul Dravid, ends after the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

According to a report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have already approached some individuals for the job. Among the favourites are Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra.

Former Australian cricketer and current coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Justin Langer, was also among the contenders along with Gautam Gambir, a former Indian player, and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming.

However, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah denied the views by saying, “Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect."

Meanwhile, during the discussion of the head coach for the Indian cricket team, Sourav Ganguly posted a cryptic social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"The coach's significance in one's life, their guidance, and relentless training shape the future of any person, both on and off the field. So, choose the coach and institution wisely…," he posted.

The deadline to submit the applications was Monday, May 27, however the BCCI is now focusing on the upcoming T20 World Cup next month rather than appointing Dravid’s successor.

"The deadline is fine, but the BCCI brass wouldn't mind taking some more time before reaching a decision. Right now, the team will be busy with World T20 for the better part of the month of June. After that seniors will be rested from tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe where any of the NCA-based senior coaches can accompany the team. So, what's the hurry," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The tenure of the next coach will begin right after the T20 World Cup 2024, held in the United States and Caribbean next month.