More applicants for coach’s post
NEWDELHI:The BCCI has decided to invite more applications for the post of Indian team’s coach to give Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) a wide range of options for picking a suitable candidate. The cricket Board’s move came following Anil Kumble’s acrimonious exit from the job.
Kumble on Tuesday refused extension of his contract till the West Indies tour, citing captain Virat Kohli’s reservation over his ‘style’ of functioning.
A top BCCI official associated with the process said another 7-10 days may be given for fresh applications so that other interested candidates with suitable qualification and stature can apply for the top job.
“Look, when we had invited applications last time, Anil was an automatic entry. That might have prompted a lot of people from thinking that what’s the need to apply when current coach is doing well and is in the mix,” a senior BCCI official said. “Now the situation has completely changed. A lot of people will now be interested knowing it’s an open field,” the official added.
According to reports, Ravi Shastri’s name is also doing the rounds. The former all-rounder was also the team director from August 2014 till April 2016.
Shastri took over after former coach Duncan Fletcher’s contract was not renewed in 2015 and under his guidance India reached the semifinals of the 2015 World Cup and 2016 World Twenty20.
COACH BEFORE LANKA TOUR: SHUKLA
Senior Board official Rajeev Shukla said a new head coach will be appointed before the tour of Sri Lanka next month.
“The BCCI tried its level best to resolve the issue. The acting secretary, the CEO, they discussed the matter with Kumble and Kohli in great detail, the board consulted the chairman of the COA (Vinod Rai) also,”said Shukla.