BCCI Looking For Only Indian Coach To Replace Ravi Shastri: Reports

The BCCI will be replacing Ravi Shastri with an Indian coach only to head the national side, as has been reported by Hindustan Times on Wednesday. Ravi Shastri’s tenure, which began in 2017, as India’s head coach comes to an end after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in mid-November.

It has been learnt that the board does not want to appoint an overseas coach, despite the fact that several foreign coaches have attained success in the IPL, Mahela Jayawardene, Stephen Fleming, and Ricky Ponting to name a few.

“The new head coach will be an Indian,” a BCCI source in the know of developments told Hindustan Times.

The thought behind not having a foreign coach is that unlike the IPL, which is a 2-month stint, coaching the national side is a year-long job.

“Unlike the IPL, the Indian coaching job is a round-the-year job and man-management works out a lot better with an Indian coach.”   

With Ravi Shastri leaving, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar are also unlikely to be offered contract extensions. A call on batting coach Vikram Rathore’s continuation will be taken later.

Anil Kumble not in contention to replace Ravi Shastri

Some of the prospective candidates who have emerged to replace Ravi Shastri are VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan. All of them have had stints at the IPL.

However, one name which will not be in contention is that of Anil Kumble. Kumble served as India’s head coach for a year in 2016-17 but left the job after a fallout with skipper Virat Kohli following the 2017 Champions Trophy final loss to Pakistan.

“We have had conversations with leading Indian players. Although, their suggestions are not binding, there is no point in creating a potential disturbance in the dressing room,” the source added.

Also, Rahul Dravid, who coached India on the Sri Lanka tour in Ravi Shastri’s absence, is reported to have turned down the BCCI when approached for the full-time coaching job. Dravid is willing to continue his role as the NCA director in Bangalore.

Also Read: “It’s A Spur Of Moment Thing For Them”- Dinesh Karthik Lashes Out On Social Media Trollers