Former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who is the frontrunner for the head coach position, was allegedly not the only candidate interviewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coach rose to prominence after leading Shreyas Iyer and his men to their third IPL title. According to the latest reports, the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) examined Gambhir and former cricketer WV Raman for the head coach position.

It has been revealed that Gambhir and Raman were the two contenders with whom the BCCI’s senior echelons discussed the opening for the head coach position. Though Raman’s presentation was very impressive, the CAC will meet with an international head coach on Wednesday. Former India opener Gambhir joined the meeting virtually from his home.

Gambhir had a virtual interview but Raman’s presentation was awe-inspiring and detailed. The CAC is likely to interview an overseas candidate tomorrow. Gambhir has the edge but Raman’s presentation was very thorough, a BCCI official said. The report added that the apex cricket board in India is yet to take a call on vacancies for the support staff of the new head coach.

Yes, the head coach has a big say in these appointments because he would want people, he is comfortable working with. Having said that, it’s not that straightforward and BCCI too can propose their own candidates or people they think are ideal for the job. Ultimately it will be Gautam Gambhir, who is likely to become the coach, who would decide his team, the official added.