BCCI may approach Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman for head coach post

When Ravi Shastri’s term ends after the T20 World Cup, the BCCI, led by Sourav Ganguly, may urge Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman to apply for the position of head coach of the Indian team alongside Sourav Ganguly. Kumble was the coach of the Indian side for a year from 2016 and 2017, when he was selected by the Cricket Advisory Committee, which included Sachin Tendulkar, Laxman, and Ganguly, to replace Shastri.

After a tumultuous relationship with skipper Virat Kohli, Kumble resigned after India’s Champions Trophy final defeat against Pakistan. Along with Kumble, the board may contact Laxman, who has coached Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL for several years. Kumble, on the other hand, will be the favourite, while Laxman will also be in the mix.

“Anil Kumble’s departure needs to be redirected. The manner in which Kohli’s pressure forced the CoA to dismiss him wasn’t the best example set. However, whether Kumble or Laxman are willing to apply for the post is also a factor,” a top BCCI source familiar with the situation told PTI on condition of anonymity.

“The criteria for the BCCI coach’s job would be such that only a select individual with a strong track record as a player as well as coaching/mentorship experience will be considered,” the source said. When asked if Vikram Rathour is a candidate, the official stated, “He may apply if he wants to, but he doesn’t have the stature to become the Indian cricket team’s head coach.”

“At best, he’s a coach’s helper. When we choose a new coach, however, he will be in charge of his own team. So we’ll just have to wait and see,” the source stated.