BCCI set to name new India coach on June 24

The Working Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India will meet in Dharamsala on June 24 to take stock of matters, including appointment of the Indian team's head coach.

Although BCCI sources said 'it's the normal agenda' about ratification of decisions taken by various sub-committees, the all-powerful panel is expected to rubber stamp the identification of a new coach less than a fortnight before the Indian squad leaves for the West Indies for a four-Test series.

The Board had invited applications for the head coach's post through its website and received 57 applications, including those of former India captain Anil Kumble, former team director Ravi Shastri and current selection panel chairman Sandeep Patil.

The applications are yet to be shortlisted, following which a trimmed list will be prepared before the BCCI zeroes in on their man to occupy the hot seat which has been left vacant since Zimbabwean Duncan Fletcher's departure after the 2015 World Cup.

Apart from naming of the head coach, the Working Committee also has to ratify the decisions taken by the Board's Technical Committee, including holding Ranji Trophy games in the upcoming season at neutral venues.

Quite a few voices have been heard from cricket circles against this decision and, with the Ranji Trophy coaches and captains conclave set to be held a day earlier at the same place, the Working Committee will have the benefit of details of deliberations which would have taken place there too.

Also, this is, by all accounts, expected to be the last meeting of the Working Committee before the Supreme Court gives its verdict on the Justice Lodha Committee's recommendations for sweeping reforms in the Board.

As such, there could be debate and discussion on this all-important issue too at the June 24 meeting.