Post the 2024 T20 World Cup win, Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure came to an end and he was succeeded by Gautam Gambhir. Under Gambhir, India's first assignment was a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka where the Men in Blue whitewashed the Lankans&nbsp;in the&nbsp;T20Is (3-0) but lost the three ODIs 2-0. Ahead of the ongoing Duleep Trophy, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant -- who is representing India B in the domestic tournament -- spoke on the difference in working styles of former coach Dravid and his successor Gambhir.

<h2>'Dravid was very balanced, Gambhir is one-sided about the fact that you've to win'</h2>

Speaking on JioCinema, Pant said, "I feel Rahul bhai was very balanced as a human being and as a coach. It could be both good and bad. There are positives and negatives, and it depends on where individuals want to focus. Gauti bhai (Gambhir) is more aggressive, he's very one-sided about the fact that you have to win. But you need to find the right balance and improve."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-realises-bangladesh-threat-says-cannot-afford-to-underestimate-any-team-756170">Rishabh Pant realises Bangladesh threat, says ‘cannot afford to underestimate any team'</a>

Under Gambhir, India got off to a mediocre start but will look to make amends in their forthcoming home season, where they host Bangladesh for two Tests and New Zealand in a&nbsp;three-match Test series later. Soon after, India's litmus test will begin when they travel to Australia for a five-match Test series, i.e. the next edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting on Nov 22. It will be the biggest challenge for Gambhir since taking over as India's head coach.

Talking about Dravid, he took over as the India coach in late 2021 and served until the end of the 2024 T20 WC. He was initially set to end his term after the home ODI WC last year, however, he received a six-month extension. It proved to be a masterstroke as Dravid helped Rohit Sharma-led India end their 11-year-long ICC-title drought in the T20 WC, held in West Indies and USA.

Post the 2024 T20 World Cup win, Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure came to an end and he was succeeded by Gautam Gambhir. Under Gambhir, India's first assignment was a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka where the Men in Blue whitewashed the Lankans in the T20Is (3-0) but lost the three ODIs 2-0.

Post the 2024 T20 World Cup win, Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure came to an end and he was succeeded by Gautam Gambhir. Under Gambhir, India's first assignment was a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka where the Men in Blue whitewashed the Lankans in the T20Is (3-0) but lost the three ODIs 2-0. Ahead of the ongoing Duleep Trophy, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant -- who is representing India B in the domestic tournament -- spoke on the difference in working styles of former coach Dravid and his successor Gambhir. 'Dravid was very balanced, Gambhir is one-sided about the fact that you've to win' Speaking on JioCinema, Pant said, "I feel Rahul bhai was very balanced as a human being and as a coach. It could be both good and bad. There are positives and negatives, and it depends on where individuals want to focus. Gauti bhai (Gambhir) is more aggressive, he's very one-sided about the fact that you have to win. But you need to find the right balance and improve." Also read: Rishabh Pant realises Bangladesh threat, says ‘cannot afford to underestimate any team' Under Gambhir, India got off to a mediocre start but will look to make amends in their forthcoming home season, where they host Bangladesh for two Tests and New Zealand in a three-match Test series later. Soon after, India's litmus test will begin when they travel to Australia for a five-match Test series, i.e. the next edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting on Nov 22. It will be the biggest challenge for Gambhir since taking over as India's head coach. Talking about Dravid, he took over as the India coach in late 2021 and served until the end of the 2024 T20 WC. He was initially set to end his term after the home ODI WC last year, however, he received a six-month extension. It proved to be a masterstroke as Dravid helped Rohit Sharma-led India end their 11-year-long ICC-title drought in the T20 WC, held in West Indies and USA.

He is very one-sided...: Rishabh Pant on difference in working styles of Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered an extension to men's head coach Rahul Dravid. The tenure of the extension remains open-ended as of now. Dravid's term came to an end after the recently-concluded ODI World Cup 2023 where India finished the runners-up.

The development, which was reported by ESPNCricinfo, also suggests that there's no confirmation on whether Dravid has accepted the extension or not. One of the reasons for which the extension has been offered is to ensure the continuity of the structure put in place by Dravid over the last two years. Dravid joined as the coach after India's exit in the 2021 T20 World Cup.

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Under Dravid's coaching, India reached the semi-final of the T20 World Cup last year apart from going on an unbeaten run of 10 wins in the ODI World Cup before the loss in the final against Australia. India also reached their second consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final where they lost to Australia in June earlier this year. They currently are the number one side across formats.

Talking about his potential extension during the ODI World Cup, he had said: "I haven't thought about it. I have no time to think about this, and no time to reflect on this. I will when I get the time to do that. But at this point of&nbsp;time, I was completely focused on this campaign. It was focused on this World Cup, and there was nothing else on my mind. And I haven't given any other thought to what happens in the future."

If he accepts the offer, Dravid's first assignment will be India's tour of South Africa. The tour starts with six white-ball games - three T20Is and three ODIs each - from December 10 before two Tests in Centurion (from December 26) and Cape Town (from January 3).

The next series after South Africa will be England's tour of India for a five-Test series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered an extension to men's head coach Rahul Dravid. The tenure of the extension remains open-ended as of now.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered an extension to men's head coach Rahul Dravid. The tenure of the extension remains open-ended as of now. Dravid's term came to an end after the recently-concluded ODI World Cup 2023 where India finished the runners-up. The development, which was reported by ESPNCricinfo, also suggests that there's no confirmation on whether Dravid has accepted the extension or not. One of the reasons for which the extension has been offered is to ensure the continuity of the structure put in place by Dravid over the last two years. Dravid joined as the coach after India's exit in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Also Read: Glenn Maxwell's unbeaten century powers Australia's chase against India Under Dravid's coaching, India reached the semi-final of the T20 World Cup last year apart from going on an unbeaten run of 10 wins in the ODI World Cup before the loss in the final against Australia. India also reached their second consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final where they lost to Australia in June earlier this year. They currently are the number one side across formats. Talking about his potential extension during the ODI World Cup, he had said: "I haven't thought about it. I have no time to think about this, and no time to reflect on this. I will when I get the time to do that. But at this point of time, I was completely focused on this campaign. It was focused on this World Cup, and there was nothing else on my mind. And I haven't given any other thought to what happens in the future." If he accepts the offer, Dravid's first assignment will be India's tour of South Africa. The tour starts with six white-ball games - three T20Is and three ODIs each - from December 10 before two Tests in Centurion (from December 26) and Cape Town (from January 3). The next series after South Africa will be England's tour of India for a five-Test series.

BCCI offers Rahul Dravid contract extension as head coach, says report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Rahul Dravid engaged in an intense discussion lately to determine his role as the coach of the Indian Cricket Team going forward. With the conclusion of the World Cup 2023, Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff’s two-year tenure ended. While Dravid is said to be keen on pushing for an extended run, the higher-ups in the Indian Cricket Board are inclined towards appointing a new head coach.

While several names are being discussed internally, the latest reports suggest that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head and veteran VVS Laxman is the strongest contender to replace Dravid as the new India head coach. BCCI’s decision-makers want the new coach to settle and prepare the team for next year’s T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, given it's still eight months away.

"Rahul and the BCCI had a talk about where things stand now. We will respect the decision taken by him. The general feeling is that with the T20 World Cup about 7-8 months away, there is time for a new coach to come in and build a team and set a process. He (Dravid) is quite aware of that,” a BCCI official close to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-i-celebrated-bairstows-dismissal-more-than-anyone-lyon-reflects-on-controversial-run-out-and-bazball-662816">Ashes - I celebrated Bairstow's dismissal more than anyone: Lyon reflects on controversial run-out and Bazball</a>

The source added that the board would come up with an official statement only after considering every angle.&nbsp;

"We are also talking about whether continuity (current coach/captain combination) is needed for the (T20) WC. We are hoping to reach a decision soon so that path forward is clear," the source added.

<h2>Happy with Dravid-Rohit pair</h2>

The unnamed source even admitted the cricket board is happy with how things panned under the Rohit-Dravid leadership despite India failing to win any ICC trophy in the past two years.

While India suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia in the recently concluded World Cup 2023, England crushed the Men in Blue by ten wickets in the 2022 World Cup semis in Adelaide. The team also went down fighting in the World Test Championship Final against the mighty Aussies.

The silver lining, however, was India’s ten-wicket Asia Cup win over Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Meanwhile, speaking on the options, the source hinted Laxman could take over the role if BCCI decides against extending Dravid’s contract.

"Options are open (for head coach). He (Laxman) is familiar with the team, players and the methods. He also has experience working with the national team," the source concluded.

Laxman is currently the head coach of the Indian Team in the ongoing home five-match T20Is.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Rahul Dravid engaged in an intense discussion lately to determine his role as the coach of the Indian Cricket Team going forward.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Rahul Dravid engaged in an intense discussion lately to determine his role as the coach of the Indian Cricket Team going forward. With the conclusion of the World Cup 2023, Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff’s two-year tenure ended. While Dravid is said to be keen on pushing for an extended run, the higher-ups in the Indian Cricket Board are inclined towards appointing a new head coach. While several names are being discussed internally, the latest reports suggest that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head and veteran VVS Laxman is the strongest contender to replace Dravid as the new India head coach. BCCI’s decision-makers want the new coach to settle and prepare the team for next year’s T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, given it's still eight months away. "Rahul and the BCCI had a talk about where things stand now. We will respect the decision taken by him. The general feeling is that with the T20 World Cup about 7-8 months away, there is time for a new coach to come in and build a team and set a process. He (Dravid) is quite aware of that,” a BCCI official close to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity. ALSO READ: Ashes - I celebrated Bairstow's dismissal more than anyone: Lyon reflects on controversial run-out and Bazball The source added that the board would come up with an official statement only after considering every angle. "We are also talking about whether continuity (current coach/captain combination) is needed for the (T20) WC. We are hoping to reach a decision soon so that path forward is clear," the source added. Happy with Dravid-Rohit pair The unnamed source even admitted the cricket board is happy with how things panned under the Rohit-Dravid leadership despite India failing to win any ICC trophy in the past two years. While India suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia in the recently concluded World Cup 2023, England crushed the Men in Blue by ten wickets in the 2022 World Cup semis in Adelaide. The team also went down fighting in the World Test Championship Final against the mighty Aussies. The silver lining, however, was India’s ten-wicket Asia Cup win over Sri Lanka earlier this year. Meanwhile, speaking on the options, the source hinted Laxman could take over the role if BCCI decides against extending Dravid’s contract. "Options are open (for head coach). He (Laxman) is familiar with the team, players and the methods. He also has experience working with the national team," the source concluded. Laxman is currently the head coach of the Indian Team in the ongoing home five-match T20Is.

BCCI inclined towards appointing new India coach despite intense talks with Rahul Dravid

Ravi Shastri is unlikely to continue as Team India head coach post the conclusion of the upcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE. Shastri had taken over as India's full-time coach after Anil Kumble in mid-2017 and the team has enjoyed great success under him across formats. However, it has been reported that the former all-rounder isn't willing to renew his contract, which ends with India's campaign in the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

For the unversed, Shastri's contract was extended post the 2019 ODI World Cup. However, as per a report in News18, he has already conveyed his decision to the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI that he isn't willing to extend his contract this time around. Thus, the BCCI will send fresh applications for the post following his departure. Meanwhile, the contracts of bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar are also unlikely to be renewed, however, batting coach Vikram Rathour is expected to continue with his job.&nbsp;

Under Shastri, India reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup, ended as runners-up in the inaugural WTC and beat Australia twice in their own backyard in the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India also ended the England Tests, although abruptly, with a 2-1 lead under his tenure in the United Kingdom recently.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-rahul-dravid-replace-ravi-shastri-as-team-india-coach-sourav-ganguly-shares-big-update-412719">Will Rahul Dravid replace Ravi Shastri as Team India coach? Sourav Ganguly shares big update</a>

Some big names are expected to join the race to be India's next head coach post Shastri's departure. Many former cricketers and majority of Indian cricket fans want Rahul Dravid to replace Shastri. Dravid was the stand-in head coach of Team India during their limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in July.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ravi Shastri is unlikely to continue as Team India head coach post the conclusion of the upcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE. Shastri had taken over as India's full-time coach after Anil Kumble in mid-2017 and the team has enjoyed great success under him across formats.

Ravi Shastri is unlikely to continue as Team India head coach post the conclusion of the upcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE. Shastri had taken over as India's full-time coach after Anil Kumble in mid-2017 and the team has enjoyed great success under him across formats. However, it has been reported that the former all-rounder isn't willing to renew his contract, which ends with India's campaign in the T20 World Cup. For the unversed, Shastri's contract was extended post the 2019 ODI World Cup. However, as per a report in News18, he has already conveyed his decision to the Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI that he isn't willing to extend his contract this time around. Thus, the BCCI will send fresh applications for the post following his departure. Meanwhile, the contracts of bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar are also unlikely to be renewed, however, batting coach Vikram Rathour is expected to continue with his job. Under Shastri, India reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup, ended as runners-up in the inaugural WTC and beat Australia twice in their own backyard in the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India also ended the England Tests, although abruptly, with a 2-1 lead under his tenure in the United Kingdom recently. ALSO READ | Will Rahul Dravid replace Ravi Shastri as Team India coach? Sourav Ganguly shares big update Some big names are expected to join the race to be India's next head coach post Shastri's departure. Many former cricketers and majority of Indian cricket fans want Rahul Dravid to replace Shastri. Dravid was the stand-in head coach of Team India during their limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in July.

Ravi Shastri set to resign as Team India head coach after T20 World Cup, BCCI to invite applications: Report

Ravi Shastri's tenure as Team India head coach will end soon after the T20 World Cup. Shastri came into the picture as a full-time head coach in mid-2017, replacing Anil Kumble, and has led India to various victories across formats along with captain Virat Kohli.

With Shastri's contract coming to an end after the marquee event and reports suggesting that the former cricketer isn't willing to extend his contract, some big names are expected to join the race to become Team India's head coach. Among them, Rahul Dravid is being considered as the strongest contender&nbsp;to replace Shastri.&nbsp;

For the unversed, Dravid also served as the stand-in head coach of a second-stringed Indian team during their Sri Lanka tour in late July. Thus, BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly shared a big update on whether Dravid is in-line to replace Shastri post the T20 WC in the UAE.

"I understand he’s not interested (in the job) on a permanent basis.… But we haven’t asked him about it specifically. We will see when we come to it," Ganguly told&nbsp;The Telegraph.

The ardent Indian cricket fans are desperate to see Dravid take over from Shastri. The current National Cricket Academy (NCA) head Dravid has coached India A and the U-19 side in the past, from 2016-2019. Under his coaching, Prithvi Shaw-led India won the U-19 World Cup in 2018. It will be interesting to see if the former Indian captain gives his nod to serve as&nbsp;India's head coach post following Shastri's tenure.

Ravi Shastri's tenure as Team India head coach will end soon after the T20 World Cup. Shastri came into the picture as a full-time head coach in mid-2017, replacing Anil Kumble, and has led India to various victories across formats along with captain Virat Kohli.

Ravi Shastri's tenure as Team India head coach will end soon after the T20 World Cup. Shastri came into the picture as a full-time head coach in mid-2017, replacing Anil Kumble, and has led India to various victories across formats along with captain Virat Kohli. With Shastri's contract coming to an end after the marquee event and reports suggesting that the former cricketer isn't willing to extend his contract, some big names are expected to join the race to become Team India's head coach. Among them, Rahul Dravid is being considered as the strongest contender to replace Shastri. For the unversed, Dravid also served as the stand-in head coach of a second-stringed Indian team during their Sri Lanka tour in late July. Thus, BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly shared a big update on whether Dravid is in-line to replace Shastri post the T20 WC in the UAE. "I understand he’s not interested (in the job) on a permanent basis.… But we haven’t asked him about it specifically. We will see when we come to it," Ganguly told The Telegraph. The ardent Indian cricket fans are desperate to see Dravid take over from Shastri. The current National Cricket Academy (NCA) head Dravid has coached India A and the U-19 side in the past, from 2016-2019. Under his coaching, Prithvi Shaw-led India won the U-19 World Cup in 2018. It will be interesting to see if the former Indian captain gives his nod to serve as India's head coach post following Shastri's tenure.

Will Rahul Dravid replace Ravi Shastri as Team India coach? Sourav Ganguly shares big update

Team India's head coach Ravi Shastri received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Former India player took to Twitter to share the image of him receiving the first dose.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-becomes-first-indian-celebrity-to-have-100-million-followers-on-instagram-367305" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli becomes first Indian celebrity to have 100 million followers on Instagram</a>

"Got the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to the amazing medical professionals &amp; scientists for empowering India against the pandemic," Shastri tweeted along with a photo of him getting the vaccination shot.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Got the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to the amazing medical professionals &amp; scientists for empowering India 🇮🇳 against the pandemic. 
 
Extremely impressed with the professionalism shown by Kantaben &amp; her team at Apollo, Ahmedabad in dealing with COVID-19 vaccination <a href="https://t.co/EI29kMdoDF">pic.twitter.com/EI29kMdoDF</a>
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/1366607709110489089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Extremely impressed with the professionalism shown by Kantaben &amp; her team at Apollo, Ahmedabad in dealing with COVID-19 vaccination," the former India all-rounder added.

Health authorities in India's national capital are set for the roll-out of the second phase of the inoculation drive amid a decline in COVID-19 cases witnessed in the last two months.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Narendra-Modi-first-dose-coronavirus-take-the-vaccine-pm-modi-takes-first-dose-of-coronavirus-vaccine-at-aiims-delhi-366946" hreflang="en">'Take the vaccine': PM Modi takes first dose of coronavirus vaccine at AIIMS, Delhi</a>

Over 13,000 beneficiaries had received the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, the health department said with over 3.6 lakh beneficiaries have received the vaccine since the inoculation drive began a month ago in Delhi.

Health officials said although vaccination will be free at government centres in the capital, a set charge with a cap of Rs 250 per dose could be taken by private facilities.

Under the nationwide vaccination drive launched on January 16, a total of 4,319 health workers were administered the shots at 81 centres across Delhi on the first day.

Team India's head coach Ravi Shastri received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Former India player took to Twitter to share the image of him receiving the first dose.

Team India's head coach Ravi Shastri received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Former India player took to Twitter to share the image of him receiving the first dose. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli becomes first Indian celebrity to have 100 million followers on Instagram "Got the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to the amazing medical professionals & scientists for empowering India against the pandemic," Shastri tweeted along with a photo of him getting the vaccination shot. Got the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to the amazing medical professionals & scientists for empowering India 🇮🇳 against the pandemic. Extremely impressed with the professionalism shown by Kantaben & her team at Apollo, Ahmedabad in dealing with COVID-19 vaccination pic.twitter.com/EI29kMdoDF — Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) March 2, 2021 × "Extremely impressed with the professionalism shown by Kantaben & her team at Apollo, Ahmedabad in dealing with COVID-19 vaccination," the former India all-rounder added. Health authorities in India's national capital are set for the roll-out of the second phase of the inoculation drive amid a decline in COVID-19 cases witnessed in the last two months. ALSO READ: 'Take the vaccine': PM Modi takes first dose of coronavirus vaccine at AIIMS, Delhi Over 13,000 beneficiaries had received the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, the health department said with over 3.6 lakh beneficiaries have received the vaccine since the inoculation drive began a month ago in Delhi. Health officials said although vaccination will be free at government centres in the capital, a set charge with a cap of Rs 250 per dose could be taken by private facilities. Under the nationwide vaccination drive launched on January 16, a total of 4,319 health workers were administered the shots at 81 centres across Delhi on the first day.

'Empowering India against the pandemic': Ravi Shastri receives first jab of COVID-19 vaccine

India skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday rejected the reports of him having any rift with head coach Anil Kumble, saying they are mere speculations which have been created by the people ahead of the team`s much anticipated high octane opening match of the Champions Trophy against Pakistan to be played at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Sunday.

&quot;There are lot of speculations and lot of things being written by people who are not even part of the change room, which is very strange. There are no problems whatsoever,&quot; Kohli told the media.

After India left for England to defend the Champions Trophy, it was reported that all was not well between Kohli and Kumble.

Reports have been surfacing about Kohli`s alleged spat with Kumble regarding differences of opinion on selection matters.

Kumble&#39;s contract as Indian cricket team&#39;s head coach will end post-India&#39;s campaign at the Champions Trophy and the BCCI has already invited applications for the position.

&quot;If something is being put in as a process, I don&#39;t see why people are creating so many speculations about it. It was followed last time also. The team is totally focused on the Champions Trophy. I honestly don&#39;t even know and I don&#39;t even want to know anything of this sort because in a tournament which is such big, lot of people like to find lot of rumours and especially before the start of the tournament,&quot; stated Kohli.

&quot;They are doing their job and on their livelihood. We are focused on our livelihood which is on the field and all that we are going to focus on,&quot; he added.

The iconic leg-spinner, who took over the post of head coach from former cricketer Ravi Shastri, has had a successful tenure as under him, team India claimed the ICC Test ranking top spot.

On Friday, after former India skipper and member of Cricket Advisory Committee, Sourav Ganguly, met Indian cricketers at team hotel, it was indicated that Kumble would step down from his position after the Champions Trophy.

Ramachandra Guha, who quit a Supreme Court-appointed four-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) overseeing the BCCI in protest, has said in his letter of resignation, &quot;If indeed the captain and the head coach were not getting along, why was this not attended to as soon as the Australia series was over in late March?&quot;

&quot;Why was it left until the last minute, when a major international tournament was imminent?&quot; he asked.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag, former Australian Test player Tom Moody, current head coach Kumble, former Indian cricketers Lalchand Rajput and Dodda Ganesh and former Pakistan and Bangladesh coach Richard Pybus have applied for the post of India`s head coach.

The BCCI`s three-member Cricket Advisory Committee comprising cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and VVS Laxman will conduct interviews and seek presentations to select the best possible candidate to guide the team and take the team forward.

(ANI)

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In a press conference before the crucial Indo-Pak encounter on Sunday, Virat Kohli cleared the air about news that there is a rift between Indian cricket team coach Anil Kumble and him (WION)
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Reports have been surfacing about Kohli`s alleged spat with Kumble regarding differences of opinion on selection matters

India skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday rejected the reports of him having any rift with head coach Anil Kumble, saying they are mere speculations which have been created by the people ahead of the team`s much anticipated high octane opening match of the Champions Trophy against Pakistan to be played at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Sunday. "There are lot of speculations and lot of things being written by people who are not even part of the change room, which is very strange. There are no problems whatsoever," Kohli told the media. After India left for England to defend the Champions Trophy, it was reported that all was not well between Kohli and Kumble. Reports have been surfacing about Kohli`s alleged spat with Kumble regarding differences of opinion on selection matters. Kumble's contract as Indian cricket team's head coach will end post-India's campaign at the Champions Trophy and the BCCI has already invited applications for the position. "If something is being put in as a process, I don't see why people are creating so many speculations about it. It was followed last time also. The team is totally focused on the Champions Trophy. I honestly don't even know and I don't even want to know anything of this sort because in a tournament which is such big, lot of people like to find lot of rumours and especially before the start of the tournament," stated Kohli. "They are doing their job and on their livelihood. We are focused on our livelihood which is on the field and all that we are going to focus on," he added. The iconic leg-spinner, who took over the post of head coach from former cricketer Ravi Shastri, has had a successful tenure as under him, team India claimed the ICC Test ranking top spot. On Friday, after former India skipper and member of Cricket Advisory Committee, Sourav Ganguly, met Indian cricketers at team hotel, it was indicated that Kumble would step down from his position after the Champions Trophy. Ramachandra Guha, who quit a Supreme Court-appointed four-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) overseeing the BCCI in protest, has said in his letter of resignation, "If indeed the captain and the head coach were not getting along, why was this not attended to as soon as the Australia series was over in late March?" "Why was it left until the last minute, when a major international tournament was imminent?" he asked. Former India opener Virender Sehwag, former Australian Test player Tom Moody, current head coach Kumble, former Indian cricketers Lalchand Rajput and Dodda Ganesh and former Pakistan and Bangladesh coach Richard Pybus have applied for the post of India`s head coach. The BCCI`s three-member Cricket Advisory Committee comprising cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and VVS Laxman will conduct interviews and seek presentations to select the best possible candidate to guide the team and take the team forward. (ANI) In a press conference before the crucial Indo-Pak encounter on Sunday, Virat Kohli cleared the air about news that there is a rift between Indian cricket team coach Anil Kumble and him (WION) ×

Virat Kohli scotches reports of rift between him and Kumble ahead of match with arch-rival Pakistan