The race for India’s next head coach is heating up, with former cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Mahela Jayawardene emerging as leading candidates. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively searching for a successor to Rahul Dravid, whose term is coming to an end. With the deadline for applications set for May 27, speculation is rife about who will take on this prestigious role.
Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian opener and key player in the 2007 World T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning teams, is a strong contender. Currently, he serves as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite his lack of international coaching experience, Gambhir has demonstrated his coaching prowess in the IPL, guiding KKR to the playoffs this season. His recent experience and deep understanding of the modern game make him a promising candidate.
Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lankan captain, is another top choice. Jayawardene is the head of cricket for the Mumbai Indians (MI) and oversees the franchise’s teams in various leagues worldwide. He has previously worked with Indian captain Rohit Sharma at MI, and his experience in international cricket and coaching could bring a valuable perspective to the Indian team.
Other names in the mix include Justin Langer, head coach of Lucknow Super Giants, and Stephen Fleming, head coach of Chennai Super Kings. However, both have expressed reservations about returning to the international coaching scene so soon. Langer prefers a break after his tenure with the Australian team, while Fleming is unlikely to commit to a full-time role.
The BCCI faces the challenge of negotiating remuneration with Gambhir, who earns significantly from his IPL coaching and broadcasting roles. Rahul Dravid’s annual salary is over ₹10 crore, and the BCCI might need to increase this figure by 50% to attract Gambhir. However, this financial aspect is not expected to be a major hurdle if Gambhir agrees to the terms outlined by the BCCI.
The new head coach will need to commit to a three-year cycle, covering major ICC events such as the 2025 ODI Champions Trophy, the 2026 T20 World Cup, the 2027 ODI World Cup, and two World Test Championship cycles. This long-term commitment is crucial for building and sustaining a competitive team on the international stage.
The BCCI has been searching for a suitable candidate since the end of India’s ODI World Cup campaign last November. With no immediate replacements available, Rahul Dravid was convinced to stay on until the T20 World Cup in June, held in the United States and Caribbean. National Cricket Academy director VVS Laxman has filled in for Dravid occasionally but has declined the full-time role due to the extensive travel required.
As the BCCI finalizes its decision, the choice of head coach will significantly impact the future of Indian cricket. Whether it’s Gambhir, Jayawardene, or another seasoned professional, the next head coach will play a pivotal role in guiding the team through a crucial period of international competition.
