The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking for a new coach for the men's side after former Indian captain, Rahul Dravid, decided to step down after the T20 World Cup 2024.
Earlier this month, the BCCI posted a Google form on their website and 3,000 applicants applied for the post of Indian men’s cricket head coach. The last date to apply was Monday, May 27.
According to a source, the BCCI has come across some fake applicants who have used famous names for the job, such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Several screenshots of their applications were posted on the social media.
“Last year too, the BCCI received such a response where imposters applied and the story is similar this time. The reason the BCCI had to invite applications on Google forms is it’s easy to scrutinise the names of applicants in one sheet,” The Indian Express quoted a BCCI official as saying.
In 2022, for the post of the head coach, BCCI received 5,000 applications from imposters using celebrity names. To avoid this scenario, the BCCI used Google form this time.
The tenure of the next coach will begin right after the T20 World Cup 2024, held in the United States and Caribbean next month.
Former captain Ponting's teammate and current coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Justin Langer, was also among the contenders along with Gautam Gambir, a former Indian player, and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming.
However, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah denied the views by saying, “Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect."
The head coach of the Indian cricket team must have the capability of advancing Indian Cricket. The head coach’s tenure is for three and a half years (July 1st 2024 to December 31st, 2027).
"When we talk about international cricket, no role is more prestigious than that of the Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Team India commands the largest fan base globally, enjoying support that is truly unrivalled. Our rich history, passion for the game make this one of the most lucrative jobs in the world. The role demands a high level of professionalism as one gets to nurture some of the best cricketers in the world and an assembly line of talented cricketers to follow. Catering to the aspirations of a billion fans is a huge honour and the BCCI will pick the right candidate, capable of propelling Indian cricket forward," Shah said.
- Sachin Tendulkar
