The Indian cricket team is set to visit Zimbabwe after the T20 World Cup 2024, and major coaching changes are on the horizon. Following the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid will step down as the head coach of the Indian team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been actively seeking his replacement, with former opener Gautam Gambhir being a prominent candidate. Although Gambhir was interviewed for the position, he will not be accompanying the team to Zimbabwe. Instead, National Cricket Academy (NCA) Chief VVS Laxman will take on the coaching responsibilities for the Zimbabwe tour.
Laxman, along with his support staff, will join the Indian team to oversee the upcoming T20 series in Zimbabwe. This arrangement ensures continuity and expertise in the coaching department while the final decision on the new head coach is being finalized.
According to Indian media reports, negotiations between Gambhir and the BCCI for the head coach position are nearing completion. However, Gambhir’s current role as the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, a team co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, may require him to obtain permission due to potential conflicts of interest.
Jay Shah, the Secretary of the BCCI, had previously indicated that a new Indian head coach would be selected after the T20 World Cup in America. Shah emphasized the importance of having a coach who thoroughly understands the domestic cricket framework to propel the Indian team to new heights.
The BCCI personally approached Gambhir, recognizing the need for a strong and experienced coach to succeed Rahul Dravid. While Gambhir remains a top contender, the interim coaching role for the Zimbabwe tour has been entrusted to VVS Laxman, ensuring the team remains in capable hands.
