‘IF HE TAKES THE JOB’: BCCI PREZ ROGER BINNY ALMOST CONFIRMS RAHUL DRAVID’S REPLACEMENT AS INDIA HEAD COACH
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny has almost confirmed the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the next head coach of the Indian men's senior cricket team. Rahul Dravid's tenure as the coach expired post the T20 World Cup and he has refused an extension.
Speaking to reporters after India clinched the T20 World Cup, Binny said Gambhir's appointment was a 'good thing' for Indian cricket.
"Gautam Gambhir has got a lot of experience and if he takes the job it's definitely going to be a good thing for Indian cricket," Roger Binny was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
"He is experienced that's what India needs. India needs a coach who played the game, and he has played in all three formats of the game."
Under Dravid's tenure, India cultivated a selfless brand of cricket that had been missing for some years. Additionally, the team reached the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) and the 50-over World Cup at home where they just fell shy of the ultimate glory.
Gambhir's job will be to keep up the momentum and ensure that the India talent factory continues to win silverware on the biggest stages.
Gambhir leading the race
The former Indian opener's name gained prominence for the job after he guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a third Indian Premier League (IPL) title last month.
“I would love to coach the Indian team. There’s no bigger honour than coaching your national team," said Gambhir when quizzed about the prospective job.
"You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe as well and when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?”
If appointed, Gambhir would have a busy few years ahead as India attempts to lock in a place in the WTC final before playing the Champions Trophy in 2025, the T20 World Cup in 2026 and the 50-over World Cup in 2027.
Apart from Gambhir, BCCI is keen to bring former South African cricketer, Jonty Rhodes, on board as the fielding coach to replace T Dilip.
Both Gambhir and Rhodes have worked together previously at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The duo managed to take the new franchise to IPL playoffs in two consecutive seasons.
(With inputs from agencies)
2024-06-30T13:09:28Z dg43tfdfdgfd