The deadline for submitting applications for the position of Team India head coach closed on Monday, yet both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the leading candidate, Gautam Gambhir, remain tight-lipped about the situation.
Gambhir's candidacy has gained significant momentum, particularly after he led the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Sunday.
Despite the growing speculation, neither the BCCI nor Gambhir has made any official statements, fueling uncertainty about the next steps.
Sources indicate that the Indian cricket board may not have a broad array of high-caliber candidates to choose from at this juncture.
Notably, no prominent foreign names have applied for the post, especially after BCCI secretary Jay Shah has already made it clear that the board is preferring a candidate familiar with the domestic structure and who has risen through the ranks.
While VVS Laxman, the National Cricket Academy head, was considered a prime candidate, he appears disinterested in committing to a full-time role requiring a ten-month availability per year.
"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 said on conditions of anonymity.
Moreover, Gambhir's deep bond with KKR principal owner Shah Rukh Khan adds complexity to the situation. Leaving an IPL team that has been integral to his identity might not be an easy decision for the former India opener.
Another critical factor is the opinion of senior Indian players, currently in New York, regarding whether Gambhir can indeed succeed Rahul Dravid as head coach. Their views are likely to play a significant role in the final decision.
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