BCCI eyeing CSK head coach Stephen Fleming as Rahul Dravid’s successor: Report

Former New Zealand cricketer and current Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach, Stephen Fleming, is being touted as BCCI's favourite to replace Rahul Dravid, according to a report inIndian Express.

BCCI on Monday (May 13) opened the process to select the next head coach for the senior men's cricket team. The last date for the submission of the application is May 27 i.e. the day of the IPL final.

According to the report, BCCI officials have already held informal conversations with Fleming regardingthe job during the IPL. However, the Kiwi is yet to make a decision about his future with CSK ready to extend his contract.

Fleming's coaching success

Fleming became CSK's head coach in 2009 and has been a vital cog in the success enjoyed by the club. Under his tenure, the Chennai-based franchise has won arecord-equalling five IPL titles.

Apart from CSK,Fleming has coached Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL), Joburg Super Kings in SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket. He is also the head coach of Southern Brave in The Hundred.

If Fleming does indeed take the job, it will mean he would have to give up on his franchise commitments. The Indian head coach job requires the candidate to be with the team for 10 months a year.

Additionally,Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, has made it clear that there will be no split coaching duties - meaning Fleming will have to chalk plans for the three formats.

"We are looking for a long-term coach for three years," Shah had said last week. "There is no precedent of different coaches for different formats in Indian cricket. Besides, we have a number of all-format players. Ultimately, it will be the Cricket Advisory Committee's (CAC) call. I have to implement what they decide," said Shah.

Dravid's contract as the head coach of the men's senior national team expires after the T20 World Cup. A day after BCCI invited the applications,former Australian cricketer Justin Langer also threwhis hat in the ring to replace Dravid.

“Well, I am curious. I’ve never ever thought about it. I have deep respect for any international coach because I understand the pressure, but coaching the Indian team would be an extraordinary role. From what I’ve seen with the amount of talent I’ve seen in this country, it would be fascinating,” Langer was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Langer is currently serving as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach, having previously coached Australia to T20 World Cup victory in 2021 while retaining the Ashes on two separate occasions viz,. 2019 and 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)