Gautam Gambhir, the former opening batsman for India, is currently the favorite to become head coach, but reports indicate the BCCI interviewed other candidates on Tuesday. The man who recently led the Kolkata Knight Riders and Shreyas Iyer to their third IPL trophy is a strong contender, though the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) also vetted former cricketer WV Raman.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who is the frontrunner for the head coach position, was allegedly not the only candidate interviewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coach rose to prominence after leading Shreyas Iyer and his men to their third IPL title. According to the latest reports, the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) examined Gambhir and former cricketer WV Raman for the head coach position.
Insiders reveal that the BCCI's top officials held discussions regarding the head coach vacancy with both Gambhir and Raman. Even though Raman gave a highly impressive presentation, the CAC is set to interview a coach from abroad on Wednesday. Gambhir, meanwhile, attended his interview virtually from his residence.
Gambhir's interview was conducted online, whereas Raman provided a remarkably comprehensive and detailed presentation. The CAC is expected to talk to an international candidate tomorrow. According to a BCCI official, Gambhir still holds the advantage, but Raman's preparation was exceptionally thorough. Additionally, the Indian cricket board has not yet decided on the support staff that will accompany the new head coach.
Naturally, the head coach carries significant weight in these hires, as they'll want a team they can trust and work well with. However, the process isn't entirely one-sided; the BCCI may suggest their own candidates whom they believe are a perfect fit. In the end, the official added that Gautam Gambhir—who is the most likely appointment—will be the one to finalize his coaching staff.