Who after Rahul Dravid? In the eyes of BCCI, Indian coach, these names are at the forefront in the race to become successful IPL captain.

PTI, New Delhi BCCI has started the search for a new coach for the Indian men's cricket team. On Monday, the board asked applicants for the 3.5-year tenure to apply by May 27. The tenure of the current coach of the Indian team, Rahul Dravid, will end after the T20 World Cup. In such a situation, the tenure of the new coach will start from July 1.

BCCI is eyeing many former players and excellent coaches for this important post. These also include former Indian players VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir. The names of Australian coaches Justin Langer and Stephen Fleming are also being discussed.

VVS best choice for this post

If Indian team head coach Rahul Dravid does not reapply for the post, then National Cricket Academy chief and former Indian batsman VVS Laxman could be the best choice to replace him for the post.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has ruled out the possibility of having separate coaches for Test and limited overs cricket. This means that BCCI is looking for only one coach. Some options for the new coach may be as follows.

VVS Laxman

If Laxman applies then he will be the best option. Laxman, 49, has been the NCA chief for three years and knows the next generation of Indian cricketers well. When Dravid was on leave, he also coached the senior team. Under his coach, India has played the Asian Games, bilateral T20 series against Australia and series in England, New Zealand and Ireland.

Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir, who has been playing cricket at the top level for the last 10 years, has an understanding of every format. His technical proficiency cannot be denied. Apart from winning two IPL trophies as KKR captain, he is credited with taking Lucknow Supergiants to the playoffs in his first two years. Under his coach, KKR has made a great comeback in this season of IPL and is at the top of the table. Now it remains to be seen whether they apply for this post or not.

justin langer

Ashes and T20 World Cup winning Australian coach Langer is a good strategist and strict in terms of discipline. He recently said that he might consider the possibility of coaching India, but it is mentally and physically challenging.

Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming, former New Zealand player and coach of CSK, one of the most successful teams of the IPL in the last few years, is also in the news, he is currently the coach of CSK and Johannesburg Super Kings in the SA20. Since he has rejected BCCI's offer, it remains to be seen whether he will apply or not.