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In a bold move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a firm stance against newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir’s initial requests regarding his support staff. After officially confirming Gambhir’s position as the head coach of the men’s team on Tuesday, the BCCI swiftly rejected his choices for the roles of bowling and fielding coaches.
Following the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the contracts of batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip came to an end. The BCCI expressed its gratitude to Rahul Dravid, Rathour, Mhambrey, and Dilip for their valuable contributions during their tenures. Interestingly, there is still a possibility that T Dilip might continue in his role as India’s fielding coach.
Traditionally, the Indian cricket governing body allows the head coach to select his own support staff. However, in this instance, the BCCI decision-makers have opted to go against Gambhir’s preferences. Gambhir had proposed former India pacer R Vinay Kumar for the position of bowling coach, but the board showed no interest in this suggestion.
Additionally, Gambhir’s choice for the fielding coach role, renowned former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, was also declined by the BCCI. Despite Rhodes’ extensive experience and past collaboration with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the board remained steadfast in its decision. The BCCI has a clear policy against appointing foreign coaches to the support staff, maintaining a preference for local expertise, a stance they are not keen to alter.
This firm response from the BCCI underscores the board’s commitment to its established policies and its vision for the coaching framework of the Indian cricket team, even as it welcomes Gambhir into his new role.
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