• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 05/29/2024
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As the deadline to apply for the Indian men’s cricket team’s head coach role ended on May 27, the BCCI has remained silent on the specifics of the applicants. While reports suggest Gautam Gambhir as a potential candidate, an unexpected proposal has emerged from Rajkumar Sharma, Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, who floated the idea of appointing MS Dhoni as the new head coach.

MS Dhoni’s Potential Candidacy

Rajkumar Sharma, a Dronacharya awardee, suggested that if MS Dhoni retires from the IPL, he would be an excellent choice for the head coach role. Dhoni, renowned for his leadership and tactical acumen, has a distinguished career with multiple World Cup victories under his belt. Sharma emphasized Dhoni’s deep understanding of the game and his proven track record in managing a team filled with cricketing legends.

“First of all, it will be interesting to see which names apply for this post. I would like that whoever becomes the coach should be an Indian. If Mahendra Singh Dhoni announces retirement, he can prove to be a good option. He (Dhoni) has played a lot of cricket and has won big tournaments,” Sharma said on India News’ program CRICIT PREDICTA.

Despite speculations that IPL 2024 will be Dhoni’s last season, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanath has hinted at Dhoni’s possible return for another season. This ongoing uncertainty surrounding his IPL future adds an interesting dimension to his potential candidacy for the head coach role.

Respect and Experience in the Dressing Room

Sharma highlighted Dhoni’s respect within the dressing room, stemming from his ability to lead a team of iconic players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Rahul Dravid. Dhoni’s management skills and strategic planning are crucial assets that could benefit the Indian team.

“Dhoni will have more respect in the dressing room and he has played this format for a long time. Being able to plan for the team and manage it properly, is most needed in the team because when Dhoni became the captain, there were big players in that team like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh were present. Despite this, Dhoni handled the team brilliantly,” Sharma added.

Former India fast bowler Atul Wasan offered a contrasting view on the role of a coach in T20 cricket, suggesting that a mentor or a format expert might be more suitable. He cited examples from other sports, arguing that the role of a coach should be minimized in favor of a manager-like figure who oversees team operations.

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“I think the role of a coach should be removed in T20 cricket and a mentor should be kept in its place and a format expert should be kept. Just as AB de Villiers is a specialist in T20 cricket. The West Indies team ruled world cricket from 1979 to 1989. Is it because of your coach? India won the 1983 and 2007 World Cups because of its coach. According to me, the work of a coach is limited to taking the team from the field to the hotel. I will not give the coach the responsibility for the team’s loss and also the credit for the team’s win. Just as in football, there are managers, not coaches. Similarly, in cricket too, instead of a coach, there should be a manager who manages the team,” Wasan said.

Rahul Dravid’s contract as India’s head coach expires after the T20 World Cup this year. The BCCI’s decision on his successor will be crucial as the team prepares for future challenges. Given his experience and respect, Dhoni’s potential appointment could mark a significant shift in the team’s approach and strategy.