New Coach to Join Team India for Sri Lanka Series: Jay Shah

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce a new head coach for the Indian cricket team before the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, which starts later this month. Although the new coach’s identity is still a secret, many believe that former opener Gautam Gambhir will take over from Rahul Dravid. BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed this news, stating that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) had interviewed and shortlisted two candidates. “Both coach and selector appointments will be made soon,” Jay Shah told PTI. “The CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names, and once we reach Mumbai, we will follow their decision. VVS Laxman is heading to Zimbabwe, but a new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series.”

The CAC has shortlisted former players Gautam Gambhir and former India women’s coach WV Raman for the prestigious role. The Indian cricket team will play three T20Is and three ODIs in Sri Lanka, starting on July 27. Jay Shah, who is currently in the Caribbean with the Indian team after their recent T20 World Cup win, praised key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both were crucial in the final against South Africa, leading India to a seven-run victory. Sharma and Kohli have since retired from T20 international cricket, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also retiring a day later.

“It was the same captain last year and here in Barbados,” Shah said. “We won all games except the final in 2023 as Australia played better. This time we worked even harder and played better to win the title. Experience counts a lot in World Cups, and you can’t experiment much. From Rohit to Virat, all excelled. A good player knows when to retire, and we saw that yesterday. Look at Rohit’s strike rate; it’s better than many young players.”

Talking about Hardik Pandya’s performance in the World Cup and his potential as a captain, Shah mentioned that leadership decisions would be made after discussions with the selectors. “Captaincy will be decided by the selectors, and we will announce it after discussing with them. There were many questions about Hardik’s form, but we and the selectors had faith in him, and he proved himself.”

Shah also spoke about the team’s transition following the retirement of key players. “The transition has already happened with three greats retiring,” he added. India, which has faced several disappointments in big finals over the past decade, ended their title drought with the recent T20 World Cup win. Jay Shah is optimistic about keeping this winning momentum.

“I want India to win all the titles,” Shah said. “We have the biggest bench strength, and only three players from this team are going to Zimbabwe. We can field three teams if needed. Our goal is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. The seniors will be there.”

Plans for a celebration ceremony for the victorious team are in the works but have been delayed due to a hurricane warning that has closed the airport in Barbados. “Like you, we are also stuck here,” Shah said. “Once the travel plans are clear, we will think about the celebration.”

Shah also confirmed that an India A team would tour Australia later this year to prepare for the five-Test series Down Under.