As Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach will be completed in December 2027, the BCCI will soon start eyeing some potential candidates to take over from him and lead the national team into the future. From veteran international coaches to former Indian greats, here are five great contenders, ranked No. 5 to No. 1.
5. Andy Flower – The Tactical Mastermind
- Coaching Highlights:
- England head coach (2009-2014)
- Placing England at No. 1 in Test rankings, winning several Ashes and also the T20 World Cup 2010
- Recent coaching stints: global T20 leagues, Lucknow Super Giants included
- Strengths:
- Technically sound and data driven
- He is known for strategic depth and calm authority
- Why India? – Flower’s widespread experience and proven results in bilateral and ICC tournaments make him most suited to be India’s next growth phase.
4. Stephen Fleming: Calm Strategist
- Coaching records:
- Head coach of Chennai Super Kings (5 IPL titles)
- One of the most respected and consistent minds in franchise cricket.
- Strengths:
- Cool-headed decision-maker
- Excellent man-management and tactical awareness.
- Why India? – Fleming has been a long tenure player in IPL, hence fits into Indian conditions as well as Indian players. He brings with him stability and long-term vision.
3. Justin Langer-The Culture Builder
- Previous Experience:
- Head coach of Australia (2018-2022)
- Won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021 and retained the Ashes
- Currently coaching Lucknow Super Giants in IPL
- Strengths:
- Discipline and fitness
- Much motivationally and communicatively strong.
- Why India? – Langer’s style in leading the team could be used by India to overcome match pressure at big times, especially in ICC tournaments.
2. VVS Laxman-The Native Mentor
- Current Position:
- Director of National Cricket Academy
- Regularly takes up interim coach roles for India A, U-19, and senior teams
- Strengths:
- Understanding and known well about Indian cricket at all levels
- Trusted figure in the BCCI system.
- Why India? – Laxman provides continuity for players brought up in domestic and junior ranks. He would be a natural fit for long-term development.
1. Ricky Ponting – The Front Runner
- Coaching Pedigree:
- Coached Delhi Capitals till 2024
- Former assistant with MI and other teams
- One of the most successful captains cricket has seen.
- Strengths:
- Aggressive, winning mindset
- Tactical clarity and strong leadership presence
- Why India? – Experience, IPL connection, nurturing talent-making have made him an ideal candidate to be considered above others for new, straightforward methods, unless India wants some fresh ways of doing things.
Conclusion
These five have very different aspects of leadership, vision, and pedigree in cricket. Whether BCCI chooses global tactician like Ponting or Flower or places trust in home-grown mentors like Laxman, much would hinge on the next head coach in shaping India’s future success
Written by RITESH SINGH
