The BCCI on Monday released an advertisement for the appointment of a new Indian cricket team (men’s) head coach, who will be taking charge from July 1. The tenure of the current coach Rahul Dravid ends with the T20 World Cup 2024, which will run till June-end. According to reports, Dravid is unlikely to seek or get an extension. The tenure of the next coach will runs till December 31, 2027. It effectively means that the coach will remain till the 2027 ODI World Cup.

There is enough speculation about India’s new coach. An overseas coach also cannot be ruled out. According to a report in The Indian Express, the BCCI top brass has already informally held discussion with Stephen Fleming, The New Zealander has been the coach of Chennai Super Kings for a long time and understands the Indian players and conditions well.

The report, However, also added that with the new coach requiring to be with the Indian cricket team for 10 months in a year, it is yet to be seen whether Fleming actually applies or not. The deadline for applying for the post is May 27.

Attributing sources, the report claimed that since the Indian cricket team will be going through a transition phase, with youngsters taking centre-stage and veterans gradually leaving, Fleming is a good candidate. But as of now, Fleming has not communicated anything to the CSK management regarding leadving the franchise, with which he has won five IPL titles.

The required “qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills” for the top post are also interesting.

“Should have played minimum of 30 Test Matches or 50 ODI’s; or Head Coach of a full member Test Playing Nation, for a minimum period of 2 years; or Head Coach of an Associate member /IPL Team or Equivalent International League/First Class Teams/ National A teams, for a minimum period of 3 years; or Should have BCCI Level 3 Certification or equivalent; and Should be below 60 years of age,” a BCCI release stated.

Regarding remuneration, the BCCI says its “negotiable and will be commensurated with experience.”

The ‘operating environment’ column is also interesting. It reads: “Must be willing to meet work expectations and pressures associated with handling marquee athletes.”