 "Gautam Gambhir was among two candidates for India head coach role who were interviewed by the CAC, with the other being WV Raman. Image: X / @GautamGambhir")
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Tuesday interviewed former India opener Gautam Gambhir and former women’s team head coach WV Raman for the role of Team India head coach. According to CricketNext, Gambhir attended the interview virtually from his residence in Delhi. The CAC comprises of Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik, with Ashok attending the call virtually as well due to commentary duties.
WV Raman, meanwhile, worked out a detailed presentation, and according to well-informed BCCI sources, the board was impressed with his presentation. The report adds that the CAC are likely to interview an overseas candidate on Wednesday.
“Gambhir had a virtual interview but Raman’s presentation was very impressive and detailed. The CAC is likely to interview an overseas candidate tomorrow. Gambhir has the edge but Raman’s presentation was very thorough,” a BCCI source told News18 CricketNext.
Despite Raman’s impressive presentation, BCCI are keen on hiring Gambhir as India’s next head coach and only a few formalities remain, the report added. Gambhir has mentored Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) previously in the INdian Premier League (IPL), helping them reach the playoffs in two seasons that he was with them. In IPL 2024, he was the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side who won the title.
Another important aspect is the appointment of the support staff for Team India. The head coach will have a say in the appointment of the supports staff, as has been the case previously.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“Yes, the head coach has a big say in these appointments because he would want people he is comfortable working with. Having said that, it’s not that straightforward and BCCI too can propose their candidates or people they think are ideal for the job. Ultimately it will be Gautam Gambhir who would decide his team,” the source added.
In another significant development, the BCCI has also approached shortlisted candidates for the selectors’ role, with one position available. The CAC will be conducting interviews for the same, with the new selector likely to replace Salil Ankola.
The new selector will in all likelihood be from the North Zone.
Both Ajit Agarkar and Salil Ankola are from the West Zone, and the BCCI are eager to have a representation from the North Zone despite no set rule of needing to have selectors from different zones. Nikhil Chopra, Reetinder Singh Sodhi, Mithun Manhas and Kishan Mohan have applied for the selectors’ job, with Sodhi and Manhas leading the race to join the selection committee, that is chaired by Agarkar.