Shastri gets his team: Bangar is deputy, Arun the bowling coach
The BCCI appointed Sanjay Bangar as assistant coach of the Indian cricket team on Tuesday and recalled Bharat Arun as bowling coach. R Sridhar was retained as fielding coach.
The names were announced in Ravi Shastri’s first press conference as head coach at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. Former India pacer Arun’s return indicates Shastri’s backing.
The decision to appoint Arun, on a two-year contract, was taken after Shastri met the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and BCCI officials, including acting president C.K. Khanna and secretary Amitabh Chaudhary.
However, there was no clarity on the status of Rahul Dravid and Zaheer Khan. Initially, when Shastri’s name was announced by the Cricket Advistory Committee on July 10, Dravid was appointed as batting consultant for overseas tours and Zaheer was named the bowling coach. Shastri somewhat cleared the air about what their roles will be going forward. “I was very clear in my mind who my core team will be. Dravid, Zaheer Khan are most welcome. I spoke personally to both. They will be on board. Their inputs will be very important. “All depends on their availability, it depends on individuals, the number of days they want to give but their inputs will be invaluable and they are most welcome.” BCCI’s acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary reiterated that Dravid and Zaheer will be consultants.
Shastri, who was in London when his appointment was announced, thanked the Cricket Advisory Committee —comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and V.V.S. Laxman — for picking him for the high-profile job. “I would like to thank the CAC because it is a privilege and honour to be India’s coach. And I would like to thank the CAC for considering me worthy enough for the job,” he said.
The Indian cricket team, led by Virat Kohli, will leave for a full tour of Sri Lanka on Wednesday.