Gambhir and Raman Compete for India Men’s Cricket Team Coach Position

Gautam Gambhir and W.V. Raman, former Indian cricket opening batters, are vying for the position of head coach for the India men’s cricket team. The competition intensified as both candidates underwent interviews on June 18, conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) chaired by ex-India batter Ashok Malhotra.

Raman, with an illustrious coaching background including tenure with the India women’s team and various state sides, was an automatic shortlist for the interview. On the other hand, Gambhir, despite predominantly coaching in T20 formats, emerged as a top contender following his successful journey as a mentor with IPL teams.

The interviews were conducted virtually, with the CAC members – Malhotra, Sulakshana Naik, and Jatin Paranjape, expressing interest in the presentations from both candidates. Gambhir especially stood out owing to his recent IPL triumph with Kolkata Knight Riders.

The BCCI, seeking a head coach for a three-and-a-half-year term from July 1, indicated a preference for Gambhir, who had informal discussions with the board members during the IPL playoffs. Although other candidates were interviewed for the position, Gambhir’s coaching vision for the next three years, focused on ICC tournaments, seems to have impressed the CAC.

Alongside the head coach position, selectors for the North Zone were also interviewed by the CAC, including Mithun Manhas, Ajay Ratra, and Reetinder Singh Sodhi. It is likely that Salil Ankola will make way for a North Zone cricketer, potentially Manhas. The ongoing T20 World Cup features the Indian team under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, who will be stepping down at the end of the tournament in the Americas.

The Indian team, currently in Barbados for the Super 8 matches after a successful group stage, is set to face Afghanistan next. The final decision on the coaching roles is expected soon, with Gambhir in pole position to take over from Dravid for the upcoming cricketing assignments.