New Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Faces Challenges with Support Staff Selection, BCCI rejects Jonty Rhodes

12
Jul/24

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently confirmed Gautam Gambhir as India’s new head coach following a unanimous recommendation by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). With the tenure of former head coach Rahul Dravid and his support staff, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, ending with the T20 World Cup, the focus has now shifted to assembling a new coaching team under Gambhir.

Thanking the Previous Coaches

The BCCI expressed gratitude to Dravid, Rathour, Mhambrey, and Dilip for their services, signalling the need for an entirely new coaching staff for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. However, there is a possibility that T Dilip might continue as India’s fielding coach.

Typically, the BCCI allows the head coach to select their own support staff, and this policy remains unchanged for Gambhir. Despite this, the board has rejected Gambhir’s first choices for bowling and fielding coaches. The former India opener wanted former pacer R Vinay Kumar as the bowling coach, but the BCCI was not keen on this appointment.

According to sources from the Hindustan Times, Gambhir’s preferred choice for the fielding coach, Jonty Rhodes, was also turned down. Despite Rhodes’ stellar credentials and his successful stints with various IPL teams, including a partnership with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants, the BCCI opted not to hire a foreign coach. The board has maintained an all-Indian support staff for the past seven years and has decided to continue this tradition.

T Dilip’s Prospective Continuation

The BCCI’s decision to keep an all-Indian support staff has opened the door for T Dilip to potentially retain his position as the fielding coach. Dilip had performed commendably during his previous tenure. It is not uncommon for a member of the previous coaching staff to continue with the new head coach, as seen when Vikram Rathour transitioned from Ravi Shastri’s team to Dravid’s.

Former India batter and current Head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), VVS Laxman, is expected to play a significant role in the new coaching setup. Gambhir expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Laxman and the support staff, emphasizing the goal of achieving success in upcoming tournaments.

Also read
BCCI considering Morne Morkel for position of Bowling Coach

“Cricket has been my passion, and I look forward to working closely with the BCCI, Head of Cricket – VVS Laxman, the support staff, and, most importantly, the players, as we work towards achieving success in the upcoming tournaments,” Gambhir stated.

In preparation for the ODI Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year, Gambhir will soon be joined by his own set of support staff. Former India player Abhishek Nayar, who worked with Gambhir as an assistant coach at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is likely to be among the new appointments.

Leave a Comment

TOP