Discussions are on the speaking side but the BCCI isn’t giving up on Stephen Fleming just yet. MS Dhoni might be their final card to play and convince the CSK Head coach to take on the Rahul position after his retirement in June after the T20 World Cup.
As the retirement of Rahul Dravid is approaching, BCCI has opened the position of head coach and is seeking many renowned international coaches and domestic ones to lead the team with their experiences. Considering recent speculation, there’s talk of MS Dhoni persuading Stephen Fleming to succeed Rahul Dravid as BCCI seeks Dhoni’s help in mediating and bringing Fleming on board as the head coach.
Why only Stephan Fleming?
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli likely winding down their white-ball careers after the T20 World Cup, Indian cricket anticipates a new leader. The BCCI seeks a head coach to navigate this transition. Stephen Fleming emerges as a strong candidate, praised for his strategic mind, ability to manage players of all levels, and experience overseeing leadership shifts, qualities the BCCI believes are crucial for guiding the team through this period of change.
Will Fleming Onboard India as Head Coach?
Fleming’s not giving a flat-out no to BCCI and the Indian Cricket Board is still in talks with Fleming regarding the coaching position. While he has raised some questions about the contract length, this is a common occurrence during negotiations. Similar concerns were voiced by Rahul Dravid before he eventually accepted the role.
BCCI views Fleming as a promising candidate due to his exceptional man-management skills and remarkable coaching pedigree. The BCCI is confident that they can reach an agreement with Fleming, and MS Dhoni’s influence could be a valuable asset in these discussions.
Why MS Dhoni to approach Stephan Fleming?
MS Dhoni’s experience could be a valuable asset in the BCCI’s quest for India’s next head coach. With the Chennai Super Kings’ IPL exit, speculation swirls that the board might leverage Dhoni’s close association with Stephen Fleming, CSK’s head coach, to tip the scales in their favor.
Dhoni and Fleming have been buddies since the beginning of the IPL. Dhoni played under Fleming’s leadership at CSK in 2008. They’ve stayed tight ever since on and off the field, even teaming up at Rising Pune Supergiant when CSK was suspended.
Fleming might require some convincing. Undeterred, the BCCI seems prepared to pull out all the stops, with Dhoni potentially playing a crucial role in their final push to secure Fleming’s expertise.
However as per sources Fleming is not ready to commit a whole 10 months to coach any team, it would be interesting to see whether BCCI and MS Dhoni would be successful in boarding Fleming as head coach.
Who will take on as Future Indian Head Coach?
The BCCI is still on the hunt for India’s next head coach. With applications open until May 27th, there’s speculation that VVS Laxman, head coach at the National Cricket Academy, might not be keen on the position.
BCCI has also approached Justin Langer, Gautam Gambhir, and Mahela Jayawardene to sign as the Future Indian Head coach. Although talks with other players are ongoing, BCCI is not yet willing to let go of Fleming and has requested Dhoni’s involvement
BCCI secretary Jay Shah clarified that even Rahul Dravid, the current head coach, would need to re-apply formally if he wants to stay on.
