Reports suggest that the BCCI is seriously considering appointing both Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman as coaches for the Indian cricket team. Until recently, Gambhir seemed to be the top candidate to replace Rahul Dravid as head coach. He was the sole Indian contender, with many sources indicating that the BCCI had nearly finalized the deal. However, things took a turn when WV Raman, an experienced coach, also entered the race.
Gambhir’s Initial Lead
Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer, was widely expected to succeed Rahul Dravid. Speculation was rife that the BCCI had already reached an agreement with Gambhir, and an official announcement was anticipated following the conclusion of India’s campaign in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Gambhir’s path to the top job became less clear with the emergence of a strong contender in WV Raman.
Raman’s Extensive Experience
WV Raman, who has played 28 international matches, offers a vast amount of coaching experience. Compared to Gambhir, who has only served as a mentor for two IPL teams over the past three seasons, Raman’s coaching credentials are much more extensive. One of the IPL teams Gambhir mentored, the Kolkata Knight Riders, even won the trophy during his tenure.
After retiring from cricket, Raman took on coaching roles for Tamil Nadu and Bengal in the domestic circuit. He then moved to the IPL, where he worked as an assistant coach for the Punjab franchise in 2013 and later as a batting coach for KKR. Additionally, Raman was the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team from 2018 to 2021. Interestingly, Gambhir sought Raman’s
The Possibility of Dual Appointments
A recent report from News18 has hinted that given Raman’s extensive experience and impressive interview, the BCCI might consider appointing both Gambhir and Raman.
“The Indian cricket board must look at utilizing 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 tracking developments told the website.
The Decision-Making Dilemma
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), consisting of Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik, now faces a tough decision. The committee must decide between Gambhir and Raman, both offering distinct advantages. Despite rumors of an overseas candidate being considered for the role, no such interview has occurred, leaving the decision squarely between the two Indian candidates.
Conclusion
The potential appointment of both Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman could bring a balanced approach to the coaching structure of the Indian cricket team. Gambhir’s leadership skills combined with Raman’s extensive coaching experience could be a winning combination for Indian cricket. As the CAC deliberates, the cricketing world watches closely, anticipating a decision that could shape the future of Indian cricket.
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