BCCI seeks MS Dhoni’s help in convincing Stephen Fleming for India’s head coach role – Reports

The Indian Cricket Board plans to approach former captain MS Dhoni in convincing his IPL franchise (Chennai Super Kings) head coach Stephen Fleming to apply for soon-to-be-vacant TeamIndia’shead coach role.

Following Rahul Dravid’stenure completion after the end of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA, a new head coach, yet to be decided, will take charge for three and a half years from July 1.

The BCCI took to social media to invite the applicants for the head coach job, with former Kiwi legend Fleming considered among the choices. Per the latest report, Fleminghasn’trejected the offer yet, amid concerns over the lengthy duration of this job.

Speaking with Hindustan Times, the board officials admitted that even Dravid was apprehensive about the tenure before accepting the offer but eventually did.

Hoping for the lightning to strike twice, the unnamed official said they would seekDhoni’sassistance in convincing Fleming to apply for the job, the deadline being May 27 – one day after the IPL 2024 final.

“Fleminghasn’tsaid no. He has expressed his concerns about the tenure of the contract, which is nothing unusual. Even Rahul Dravidwasn’tkeen in the beginning.He was persuaded. Itshouldn’tbe a surprise if the same thing happens with Fleming. And who better than MS Dhoni to do the job?"Hindustan Times quoted the official as saying.

Now that CSK is out of the playoff race, Dhoni and Fleming are relieved of their duties, giving more time to Fleming to think about joining hands with the Indian Team as their head coach.

More the merrier

Several media reports have suggested that the BCCI even approached former India opener Gautam Gambhir for the head coach role. The two-time World Cup winner, Gambhir, wasappointed the KKR mentor in IPL 2024, guiding the team to their first-ever first-place finish on the points table.

Though Kolkata faces Hyderabad for a place in theseason’sfinal on Sunday, Gambhir is said to be discussing details with the BCCI following the end of IPL 2024.

Another name that did rounds on the internet was former Australia batter and coach Justin Langer. Like Gautam, Langer is also part of the backroom staff in IPL 2024 – working as the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants.

Addressing the magnitude of this job, Langer, during an IPL presser, said,“Well, I am curious.I’venever ever thought about it. Ihave deep respect forany international coach because I understand the pressure, but coaching the Indian team would be an extraordinary role. From whatI’veseen with the amount of talentI’veseenin this country, it would be fascinating.”