Gopal Singh (CMD, CCL) is said to be ahead in the race among all 07 shortlisted candidates who will try their luck on June 16 for the top post of Coal India. At the same time, Rajeev Ranjan Mishra (CMD, WCL) is also said to enjoy a  lot of goodwill for the job. These two have reportedly emerged as the serious contenders for the post of CIL chairman. Singh is the senior most among the shortlisted candidates. He had had earlier missed the opportunity to become NMDC CMD after the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet in May 2016 vetoed the PESB's choice for NMDC's top job. But circumstances soon started aligning in his favor when he got a fresh lease of life by way of an extension of his services as CMD CCL in the second week of January this year. And if top sources are to be believed, he may soon be named as next CMD of Coal India.