BCCI extends deadline for coach’s job, brings Shastri in frame

MUMBAI: In keeping with India captain Virat Kohli’s wish to have Ravi Shastri as coach again, the BCCI paved the way for the former India all-rounder to throw his hat in the ring for the most coveted coaching post in the cricket world by extending the deadline to apply till July 9.

In a release issued on Friday night, BCCI’s acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said: “The BCCI has extended the timeline for submission of applications for the post of Head Coach for India men’s cricket team. The candidates who have applied earlier need not re-apply and will be included in the final list of applicants. The last date for submission of applications is hence extended to the 9th of July, 2017.”

BCCI’s official line is that they have re-opened the process – necessitated after Anil Kumble stepped down – because some prospective candidates may not have applied earlier thinking they didn’t have a chance with the highly-successful incumbent also in the fray.

While the deadline extension allows Shastri to apply for the vacant post, it is a complicated situation for the BCCI. Sourav Ganguly, part of the Cricket Advisory Committee that is going to decide on the coach, had a public spat with Shastri over how the coach selection process was conducted last year. Also, some of the coaches who have already applied are not happy with BCCI’s move. In fact, Virender Sehwag, had to be convinced by some Board members to apply.

A report suggested that former team director Shastri had already been approached by the BCCI but was willing to apply only if he was assured of getting the job. “It is no secret that skipper Virat Kohli wants Shastri back at the helm and Shastri was spoken to so that he applies for the interview process. But the former team director isn’t willing to be in a position where his claim is rejected again. He has made it clear he will speak to the BCCI or CAC on this matter.