"Joining Meri Hogi": Fan Applications For New India Coach Breaks Internet

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begin its hunt for the next coach of senior men’s cricket team. Current India head coach Rahul Dravid put pen to paper on an extension, along with his support staff, in November 2023 after the conclusion of the ODI World Cup. However, his current contract is only valid till the end of June 2024. While BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that Dravid can re-apply for the job, it has been reported that the former India captain isn’t keen on continuing as India’s head coach, and hence, is unlikely to join the head coach race again.

“The BCCI on Monday invited applications for the position of Head Coach of the Senior Men’s Team. Applications for the position should be submitted by 6PM IST on May 27, 2024 in the link here. The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates. Job Description for the said position is provided here,” the BCCI said in a statement on Monday.

After BCCI’s announcement, fans took to social media platform X to submit their applications.

Here’s how Internet reacted:

Submitted my application form

Hopefully under my expert coaching and guidance, India lifts the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/lbyeld6hWo

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) May 13, 2024

Submitted my application, cannot wait to coach Team India pic.twitter.com/5E6R07cTVY

— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) May 13, 2024

Joining meri hogi
Shah sahab ne formality ke liye dalwa diya form pic.twitter.com/nGWJUDskh7

— Gems of Shorts (@Warlock_Shabby) May 14, 2024

Consider kr lena Jai Shah bhai pic.twitter.com/qnkZVbvfCB

— Professor Sahab (@ProfesorSahab) May 13, 2024

Jay Shah had also revealed that the BCCI is also looking at overseas candidates to replace Dravid, but it will only be considered depending on the CAC’s recommendations.

“If the CAC selects a foreign coach, I can’t interfere. A few interviews for the selector’s post have already happened. We will announce it soon,” Shah had said during a media interaction last week.

According to a report in the Indian Express, the BCCI top brass has already informally held discussion with Stephen Fleming, The New Zealander has been the coach of Chennai Super Kings for a long time and understands the Indian players and conditions well.

However, the report also suggested that it is not clear if Fleming will apply for the job. The deadline for applying for the post is May 27.