With Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid’s term ending after the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly asked Mahendra Singh Dhoni to step in to persuade CSK coach Stephen Fleming and take over as Dravid’s successor. As per Hindustan Times report, CSK coach Fleming was the board’s first choice to appoint as India’s head coach after the T20 World Cup, however, the former Kiwi skipper expressed his reluctance to commit untill 2027.
Sources also told HT that Fleming had made it clear with the BCCI in the initial discussions, after which the board started to look for other options inclduing Gautam Gambhir, Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Mahela Jayawardene. While discussions with other players is still going on, BCCI is still not ready to give up on Fleming yet and have asked Dhoni to step in.
The Indian Express reported BCCI’s interest citing Fleming’s management skills and achievements, however, CSK’s CEO denied any such talks, stating there’s been no communication with Fleming regarding the matter.
“I have not heard anything like this. There has been no communication from Stephen Fleming to CSK either,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Sports Now. Additionally, certain reports mentioned that VVS Laxman, who serves as the head coach at the National Cricket Academy – is also unwilling to take up the role.
On May 16, the BCCI formally announced the invitation for applications for the position, with a deadline set for May 27. BCCI secretary Jay Shah further emphasized that if Dravid desires to extend his tenure, he will need to submit a new application.
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Published: 21 May 2024, 11:39 AM IST