Shastri back in fray for India job
Ravi Shastri has decided to throw his hat in the ring for the India cricket coach’s job. Having the full backing of captain Virat Kohli and the BCCI officials, he is the clear favourite for the job.
In fact, if Shastri becomes the coach, Bharat Arun could also return as bowling coach.
When the BCCI had first asked for applications for the national coach’s job, Shastri had not applied. But, after Anil Kumble decided to opt out of the race, the former India all-rounder took a call to go for a second innings. “Yes, I have decided to apply for the job,” reports quoting Shastri said.
In keeping with the India captain’s wishes of having Shastri as coach, two days after Kumble decided to quit (last Friday), the BCCI extended the deadline to apply for the post of head coach till July 9, paving the way for the former all-rounder to apply.
The BCCI’s official line is that they have re-opened the process because some of the coaches may not have applied earlier thinking that they didn’t have a chance against the highly-successful Kumble.
While it allows Shastri to apply for the vacant post, it is a complicated situation. Sourav Ganguly, who is a member of the Cricket Advisory Committee, which will decide who becomes coach, had a public spat with Shastri over the manner in which the coach selection process was conducted last year.
Also, some of the coaches who had initially applied are not happy with the BCCI move. In fact, Virender Sehwag had to be convinced by some of the Board members to apply for the position.
A report had suggested that former Team India director Ravi Shastri was approached by the Indian cricket board and he sought assurance that he’ll get the job. But, the former India skipper has rubbished the report.
It is no secret that Kohli wants Shastri back at the helm.
The BCCI has said the coach will be appointed before the Sri Lanka series, starting in the last week of July. They have asked the applicants to be available for interview in person or via video conferencing in the week after the last date. Shastri is in London and is expected to be back in India by the third week of July. Among others to apply for the job are Sehwag, Tom Moody and Lalchand Rajput.