BCCI invites job applications for India head coach and support staff positions

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for several roles in the senior men’s team. Earlier, Ravi Shastri had announced his wish to relinquish from the post of head coach of the team after the culmination of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The global event is set to end on November 14. Apart from Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar also stated their desire to step down from the post.

On October 17, the BCCI has invited applications five roles – head coach, batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, and head sports science/medicine with National Academy (NCA). All the posts have opened up for the senior men’s team with the BCCI giving a deadline for head coach till October 26 and November 3 for the remaining four positions.

Rahul Dravid likely to be appointed as Team India Head Coach

It is to be noted that reports are emerging as Rahul Dravid has been confirmed for the role of head coach. The former India batter is the current national director of National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. If he is appointed as India’s coach, he will have to relinquish NCA chairmanship. Apart from NCA, the 48-year-old  also oversees things at the Under-19 level. He was also the coach of the team during the Sri Lanka tour, in which the team won 2-1 with a fairly inexperienced team.

So, Dravid brings a vast amount of experience with him and has a sound understanding of the game. Apart from the head coach, even the role of bowling coach is almost finalized, with Paras Mhambrey likely being the candidate to take over from incumbent Bharat Arun. He has also worked with Dravid at the U-19 level and is one of the most trusted persons for him.

Although the BCCI has stated in the letter for applicants applying for the role of batting coach, Vikram Rathour is likely to continue with the role. Unlike Arun and Sridhar, who are parting ways with the team, Rathour has not stated any such desire so far.