The BCCI-appointed Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) is expected to interview the candidates on July 1-2 in Mumbai. This committee, chaired by former India batter Ashok Malhotra, also comprises former India players Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik. They are likely to to assess presentations made by the candidates before an announcement is expected “on or before July 3.”
The new coach is likely to be given a two-year term, to begin with. The BCCI is keen on continuity, given two ICC events – the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2024 and the 50-over World Cup in India in 2025 – are within this period.
Muzumdar, meanwhile, has also been offered the position of head coach of Baroda’s senior men’s team for the 2023-24 domestic season. Earlier, he was the head coach of Mumbai until the 2022-23 domestic season. It’s understood that Muzumdar hasn’t formally accepted Baroda’s offer and is awaiting the CAC’s decision over the India women’s head coach position.
Muzumdar has been an active coach since he called time on a 21-year first-class career during which he became one of the highest run-getters in the Ranji Trophy. Following 15 years with Mumbai, Muzumdar moved to Assam in 2009 and later to Andhra.
Among the overseas names is Lewis, 47, who is set to make his presentation via video conferencing from the UK as he’s currently involved in the Women’s Ashes as England’s head coach. Lewis was the batting coach of UP Warriorz in the inaugural Women’s Premier League earlier this year.
While the BCCI is keen to have the new coach link up with the squad ahead of India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh in July, it’s likely Kanitkar could be in charge of the squad in a stop-gap arrangement if he isn’t handed the reigns full-time. Kanitkar, the former India allrounder, is an NCA-certified coach and is currently in charge of the Under-19 probables camp in Bengaluru.
Their next assignment is a limited-overs tour to Bangladesh beginning July 9. The BCB expects the Indian team to arrive in Dhaka on July 6, but the BCCI’s selection committee is yet to name the squad for the tour comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is. It’s understood that the members of the “targeted group” that attended the NCA camp have all been asked to submit their passports for the BCCI to fast-track their visa applications.