BCCI Reportedly Considering Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman for Coaching Roles Across Indian Cricket Teams

June 20, 2024 0 688

BCCI is considering signing both Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman as coaches, with Gambhir likely to be the next head coach of the Indian men’s senior team after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ends.

Gautam Gambhir is currently the leading contender to become the next head coach of the Indian men’s senior cricket team once Rahul Dravid’s tenure concludes, while WV Raman has also been identified as a potential candidate for the role. Gambhir attended his first interview virtually, while WV Raman was present in person.

Comparing their coaching backgrounds, Gambhir has primarily served as a mentor for IPL franchises such as the Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, notably guiding KKR to their third IPL title in his debut season. In contrast, WV Raman boasts extensive coaching experience across domestic cricket, the IPL, and the women’s national team.

According to reports from News18, a source familiar with the matter emphasized the Indian cricket board’s interest in leveraging the expertise of both Raman and Gambhir. They suggested potential roles like Gambhir as head coach and Raman as batting coach, or empowering Raman with greater influence in red-ball cricket.

“The Indian cricket board must look at utilising the services of both Raman and Gambhir. There are numerous ways in which one can do that – say have Gambhir as head coach and Raman as batting coach or allow Raman to have more say in red ball. Lot of ways one can use them because both can benefit Indian cricket and that’s what one should look at,” a source was quoted as saying.

The source also highlighted Raman’s close involvement with younger players during various U-19 and A series, indicating his suitability to guide them through what is expected to be a period of significant transformation for the team. The goal will be to maximize their collective impact on Indian cricket, especially as the team undergoes significant changes in the coming years, starting with transitions likely to occur in T20s post the World Cup, followed by ODIs and Tests over the next 12-15 months.

“Raman has seen these youngsters grow from close quarters when he filled in as coach during different U-19 and A series. He can be your right guy to handhold these players as the side is set to undergo a massive transition in the next couple of years. That is likely to begin in T20s after the World Cup and ODIs, Tests will witness that too in the next 12-15 months,” the source added.