BCCI prepares for major overhaul in coaching and selection committee

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set for a significant reshuffle, focusing on the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team and changes in the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. This move aims to strengthen the structure of the Indian cricket team and ensure continued success on the global stage.

Gautam Gambhir for Head Coach Position

Former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the head coach position. He is set to appear for an interview before the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) via Zoom on Tuesday. Gambhir is the sole applicant for the role and will be evaluated by a panel consisting of former cricketers Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe, and Sulakshana Naik.

Gambhir, who currently mentors the IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders, has a strong track record in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His leadership and cricketing insights make him a strong contender to replace the current head coach, Rahul Dravid, whose term ends after the ongoing T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

Major Changes in BCCI Selection Committee

In addition to the head coach appointment, the BCCI is also set to make significant changes to the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. The CAC will conduct interviews to find a new selector to replace Salil Ankola. Ankola and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are both from the West Zone, prompting the search for a new selector likely from the North Zone to balance regional representation.

Ajit Agarkar, appointed as the Chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee in July 2023, leads a team that includes Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee, Salil Ankola, and Sridharan Sharath. The selection committee plays a crucial role in shaping the Indian cricket team by selecting members for various levels of representation.

BCCI’s Commitment to Excellence

A BCCI source confirmed the dual focus of the upcoming interviews, stating, “We are conducting an interview session for candidates for the post of head coach and selector. The CAC will submit its recommendation to the BCCI, and the board will make an official announcement thereafter.”

These changes reflect the BCCI’s commitment to strengthening Indian cricket and ensuring it remains competitive on the global stage.