BCCI opens applications for India's new head coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach for the India men's senior national team following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024. The position will be for a term of three and a half years.

Interested candidates are required to submit their applications by 6 pm IST on May 27, 2024, which is the day after the IPL 2024 final. The appointed coach will begin their tenure on July 1, 2024, running until December 31, 2027.

Learning from past mistakes, the BCCI has opted to start the recruitment process before the incumbent coach's tenure ends. This ensures a smoother transition and adequate time for the new coach to prepare for upcoming assignments. Rahul Dravid, the current head coach, will need to reapply if he wishes to continue in the role.

The selection of the support staff will be conducted in consultation with the new head coach. Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, clarified that India is unlikely to adopt different coaches for different formats, citing the abundance of all-format players and the absence of such precedent in Indian cricket.

“Rahul Dravid’s tenure is till the World Cup, we will be inviting applications soon for the post of head coach and if Dravid wants to re-apply, he can do it. We have decided the criteria. Thereafter we will invite applications for support staff in consultation with the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). The coach’s tenure will be of three years," Jay said.

"There is no precedent of different coaches for different formats in Indian cricket. Besides, we have a number of all-format players. Ultimately, it will be the CAC's call. I have to implement what they decide," he further added.

Dravid took over as head coach after the T20 World Cup 2021 and has led the team to notable achievements, including reaching the finals of the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup at home last year.