Jay Shah says new head coach will handle from Sri Lanka series
The Cricket Advisory Committee also conducted interviews for the high-profile position, with Gambhir and former India women's coach W V Raman being shortlisted
The Indian cricket team will have a new head coach beginning with the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka later this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced on Monday, although he did not specify who has been chosen to succeed outgoing Rahul Dravid.
Former opener Gautam Gambhir is anticipated to take over as India’s coach after Dravid. The Cricket Advisory Committee also conducted interviews for the high-profile position, with Gambhir and former India women’s coach W V Raman being shortlisted.
A selector would also be appointed shortly, added Shah, who is in the Caribbean with the India squad that won the T20 World Cup title on Saturday, defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final.
“Both coach and selector appointment will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but new coach will join from Sri Lanka series,” Shah tld select media, referring to the Zimbabwe tour beginning July 6.
The Indian cricket squad will tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs beginning July 27.
India benefited from the presence of senior figures. Shah expressed his joy after India won the ICC title after 11 years on Saturday. He lauded Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their match-winning innings in the final.
Both the stalwarts announced their retirement from T20Is after the triumph and were joined by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in saying goodbye to the format a day later.
“It was same captain last year and same here in Barbados. We won all games except the final in 2023 as Australia played better. This time we worked even harder and played better to win the title.
“If you look at other teams, experience counts. From Rohit to Virat, all excelled. Experience makes a lot of difference, in World Cups you can’t experiment much also.
“A good player knows when to say goodbye to the game, we saw that yesterday. You look at Rohit’s strike rate, it is better than a lot of young players,” he said.
How does he see the transition panning out following the retirement of Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja? “Transition has already happened with three greats retiring,” Shah said.
India, who had built a reputation of losing the big finals over the past decade, finally ended their title drought after losing two ICC finals over the last 12 months and Shah hoped the winning run will continue.
“I would want India to win all the titles. We have the biggest bench strength, only three players from this team are going to Zimbabwe. We can field three teams if the need arises.
“The way this team is progressing, our target is to win World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. There will be a similar squad playing there. The seniors will be there,” said Shah.
Leadership Prospects: Jay Shah on Hardik Pandya
On Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance in the World Cup and his prospects of taking over leadership from Rohit, Shah said: “Captaincy will be decided by the selectors, and we will announce it after consulting with them.” You inquired about Hardik; there were many concerns about his form, but we and the selectors believed in him and he proved himself.” India A will be touring Australia. Shah also announced that an A team will fly to Australia later this year in preparation for the five Tests.
Jay Shah on Team’s Return and Celebration Plans
The BCCI intends to hold a celebration once the team arrives in India, but a hurricane warning has forced the airport in Barbados to close indefinitely, leaving the winning team stranded.
“Like you we are also stuck here. After the travel plans are clear, we will think about the felicitation,” said Shah.
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