Mike Hesson sent out his wishes to team India’s head coach Ravi Shastri after the latter retained his job following a day-long interview process, with as many as five candidates being interviewed for the job. In his tweet, Hesson also sent his ‘best’ wishes to team India for the future.
Shastri was quick to reply to the former New Zealand coach and thanked Hesson for his wishes.
Thanks a ton, Mike. Much appreciated. Keep the coaching flag flying.
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 16, 2019
Kapil Dev-headed CAC interviewed the candidates for the job. Shastri and Tom Moody appeared for the interview over skype. Hesson, Lalchand Rajput and Robin Singh appeared for the interview in person.
Also Read: Selection Committee Must Consult With CAC While Picking Support Staffs, Says Kapil Dev
Even before te start of the process, Shastri was the clear favourite to retain his job. He was the last candidate to be interviewed and also topped the list, getting maximum marks in the five parameters that were set by CAC.
Hesson came second to Shastri, as per the list released by BCCI. Moody was the third preference of the panel.
Shastri will continue to hold the position until November 2021, during which India will play two T20 World Cups, Test series in New Zealand and the Test championship too.
Shastri had first joined Indias backroom staff 2007 for the tour of Bangladesh. Following India’s poor performances in England in 2014, he joined the coaching staff mid-series and continued to hold the position till the end of T20 World Cup in 2016, where India ended up as the semi-finalists.
He was pipped by Anil Kumble for the job in 2016, who resigned as soon his contract ended. Shastri retuned to coach the team again in 2017.
He and other support staff members were given a contract of two years. While Shastri has kept his job, changes can be made to his support staff.
India bowling coach Bharat Arun is likely to retain his position for showing the results since the day he has taken over. Assistant coach cum batting coach Sanjay Bangar could face stiff competition. R Sridhar, despite improving the team’s performance, will face stiff competition due to Jonty Rhodes being one of the candidates for the post.
A decision over the other members of support staff will be taken next week.