Ex-India captain MS Dhoni might hold the key to India’s next head coach
After Rahul Dravid‘s tenure ends with the T20 World Cup, the search for Team India’s next head coach has taken an interesting turn, as MS Dhoni’s help could be required by BCCI in finalising the big decision. The Indian Board’s preferred candidate, Stephen Fleming, the highly successful coach of the Chennai Super Kings, is hesitant to commit to a long-term contract.
Stephen Fleming, a decorated cricketer and the longest-serving coach in the Indian Premier League, is known for his strategic mind and ability to manage players. However, his current workload includes coaching roles for the Texas Super Kings (USA), the Joburg Super Kings (South Africa), and the Southern Brave (England).
This allows him to spend significant time with his family due to the shorter seasons of these leagues. Taking on the Indian head coach position would require a much more demanding schedule, with almost year-round commitments.
The BCCI believes Dhoni’s influence could be crucial in convincing Fleming to accept the head coach role.
A BCCI source said, “Fleming hasn’t said no. He has expressed his concerns about the tenure of the contract, which is nothing unusual. Even Rahul Dravid wasn’t keen in the beginning. He was persuaded. It shouldn’t be a surprise if the same thing happens with Fleming. And who better than MS Dhoni to do the job?”
“Opening channels with Dhoni during the IPL was not the right thing to do, but now it may be worth a shot,” the source added.