This time around, applications will be invited even before the team leaves for the T20 World Cup. Should Dravid want to continue, he will have to re-apply. “We will call for applications in the next few days,” Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, said during a media interaction at the BCCI headquarters. “Rahul Dravid’s tenure is coming to an end in June. If he wants to re-apply, he can.”
Shah confirmed the new head coach will be offered to take charge till the ODI World Cup in 2027. The rest of the backroom staff will be appointed in consultation with the new head coach. Shah said it was unlikely India will split the coaching role based on formats.
“We are looking for a long-term coach for three years,” Shah said. “There is no precedent of different coaches for different formats in Indian cricket. Besides, we have a number of all-format players. Ultimately, it will be the Cricket Advisory Committee’s (CAC) call. I have to implement what they decide.”
Players from teams knocked out of IPL 2024 to leave early
Shah also confirmed that the Indian team will leave for the T20 World Cup to the USA and the West Indies in two batches. Those players whose teams don’t qualify for the IPL playoffs will leave on May 24 along with the coaching staff. The rest of the squad will leave after the IPL final on May 26. India’s first match is on June 5, against Ireland.
Shah ruled out resting players, whose teams have no chance of making it to the playoffs, for the remaining games of the league stage. He said the IPL was a great opportunity for them to sharpen their T20 skills. “Look at how well Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma played the other day,” Shah said. “If [Jasprit] Bumrah gets to bowl to Head, what better opportunity is there to practise?”
Mayank Yadav to get fast bowlers’ contract
WTC final to move out of England?
While acknowledging the challenge for finding another window for it or finding another venue that can host it during June, Shah did indicate that the BCCI has spoken to the ICC about new venues for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The first two finals were played in England where India lost. The third WTC final will also be played in England in June 2025. “We have spoken to the ICC about it,” Shah said, “They will consider changing the venue.”
