Bridgetown: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that the Indian cricket team will have a new head coach for the upcoming limited-overs series in Sri Lanka later this month, following Rahul Dravid's departure. While the successor was not named, former opener Gautam Gambhir is widely expected to take over, having been short-listed alongside W V Raman by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).

Shah, currently with the team in the Caribbean celebrating their T20 World Cup victory, confirmed that both the coach and selector appointments would be finalised soon. He mentioned that VVS Laxman would handle the Zimbabwe tour beginning July 6, while the new coach would join the squad for the Sri Lanka series, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs starting July 27.

Reflecting on India's recent T20 World Cup triumph, Shah praised the leadership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who both retired from T20Is after the final, joined by Ravindra Jadeja a day later. He emphasised the role of experience in the team's success and acknowledged the timely retirements of the stalwarts.

Looking ahead, Shah discussed India's future cricket plans, including their goal to win the World Test Championship final and the Champions Trophy. He expressed confidence in India's deep bench strength, highlighting the possibility of fielding multiple competitive teams if needed.

Regarding the captaincy succession after Rohit's retirement, Shah indicated that selectors would decide, noting Hardik Pandya's strong performance in the World Cup and the faith shown in him despite earlier doubts about his form.

Shah also confirmed that an India A team would tour Australia ahead of the five-Test series Down Under later this year. He mentioned logistical challenges, with the team stranded in Barbados due to airport closures following Hurricane warnings, delaying their return to India and any potential celebratory events. PTI