BCCI reveals selection criteria for position of Team India head coach

The BCCI made a press release inviting applications for the position of Head Coach for the Senior India Men’s Cricket Team on Thursday. On behalf of Amitabh Choudhary, the Honorary Joint Secretary of the BCCI, the board released a statement with a set of prerequisites from all interested candidates.

The press release also mentioned that the deadline for all interested candidates to send their applications is 31st May 2017. It supplied an email id to which candidates could send in applications.

By virtue of being the current coach of the Indian Cricket Team, Anil Kumble will be a direct entrant into the process of selecting a new Head Coach. As of now, Kumble’s tenure will expire as soon as the Champions Trophy is completed on June 18. According to reports, the BCCI wasn’t pleased with the fact that Kumble demanded a massive hike in salaries, both for himself, and centrally contracted players.

Selection criteria as per the BCCI

As per the BCCI’s press release, candidates applying for the position of Head Coach should fulfil and demonstrate evidence and knowledge of areas as follows:

“1. Should have successfully coached a cricket team of any of the member countries of the ICC, at the first class or at the International level.

2. It is preferred that the candidate should be qualified through a certification/assessment program conducted by any of the full member countries and currently possess such a valid certification.

3. Should be able to prepare and present a coaching plan elaborating the approach for ‘Team India’ to attain leadership position in all formats of the game.

4. Demonstrate methods/tools to effectively measure individual player performance and present metrics to the Board, which will in turn measure the performance of the team, on a consistent and timely basis.

5. Demonstrate an understanding and ability of employing a multi disciplinary approach that will include sports psychology and sports medicine, and effectively manage the work load of the players, thereby enhancing their contribution to the cause of the team

6. Communication skills befitting the coach of an International team are mandatory along with the ability to effectively convey the right messages and must demonstrate proficiency in English. It is desirable to communicate in Hindi and other regional Indian languages.

7. Should be well versed with the latest technologies/trends in sports software and ability to utilise the same, which will assist in analysing/ improving the performance of the player and the team.

8. Mandatory that the candidate should have an impeccable personal record, devoid of any past or current disputes, with any of the member boards of the ICC or its affiliates.

9. Demonstrate plans and ability to contribute to the NCA Cricket Development Programmes and forecasting/planning to develop the next generation of cricketers and agree to make themselves available for the NCA, as and when they are not with the team.”

Those candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to present their credentials and plans for further evaluation. The BCCI also mentioned that it will put in place a nominee of the Committee of Administrators to oversee the bidding process.

The Cricket Advisory Committee comprising of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman will also have their inputs. The BCCI stated that the three legendary former cricketers will “conduct interviews and seek presentations to select the best possible candidate to guide the team and take Indian cricket forward.”