The BCCI opened applications for the head coach position on May 13, with the window closing on May 27, the day after the IPL 2024 final. As Rahul Dravid's term is likely to conclude after the T20 World Cup in June, rumors have swirled that the BCCI is open to hiring an international coach. Since Dravid has led the squad since 2021, his upcoming exit has sparked significant interest in who the next candidate might be.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally invited applications for the head coach role on May 13, and the submission deadline date is May 27, the day after the IPL 2024 final. With Rahul Dravid’s tenure likely to end after the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies in June, it was rumored that the BCCI will consider hiring a foreign coach. Dravid has led the Indian men’s team since 2021, but his upcoming exit has spurred curiosity about possible replacements.
Stephen Fleming, highly respected for his success with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, is widely seen as a top candidate for the role. There was widespread speculation that he would apply before the CAC began its formal interviews. Since he took charge of CSK in 2009, Fleming and MS Dhoni have built a legendary powerhouse, securing multiple championships and redefining success in the league.
Kasi Viswanathan, the CEO of CSK, recently addressed the gossip, mentioning that he asked Fleming directly if he was eyeing the India job. However, Viswanathan believes Fleming prefers shorter-term engagements and might be hesitant to commit to the grueling, full-time demands that come with coaching the Indian national team.
In a video shared by CSK, Viswanathan explained: 'I received numerous calls from Indian reporters asking if Stephen wanted the job. In a lighthearted moment, I asked him, \"Have you applied for the India coaching gig?\" Stephen just laughed and asked if I thought he should. Personally, I feel it's not his cup of tea because he isn't fond of being tied down for nine or ten months of the year. We haven't discussed it any further than that.'
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain and current Delhi Capitals coach, recently confirmed that the BCCI reached out to him informally during the 2024 IPL, but he decided to decline the opportunity.
Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener and current KKR mentor, is considered one of the frontrunners for the position. Additionally, reports suggest the BCCI has been in contact with former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene.