Source Reveals Reason Behind Sanjay Bangar's Exit As Team India Batting Coach
That Sanjay Bangar would not be able to retain his post of Team India batting coach was very much on the cards. Even before the start of interview, media reports suggested that Bangar was the only coach set to be axed. And the reports turned out to be spot on. While Ravi Shastri, Bharat Arun and R Sridhar retained their respective roles, Vikram Rathour has replaced Bangar.
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The MSK Prasad-led national selection committee announced the names on Thursday. Bangar was their second choice while England’s Mark Ramprakash was the third option. Sources have now revealed the reason behind Bangar’s exit. A source, who was preview to the entire selection process, said that the panel wanted a new approach with the batting and thus opted for a new coach.
“The [Indian] batting was getting too monotonous. The pattern in which our batting department was shaping was too predictable. We wanted a new approach and some fresh ideas. We want a bit of aggression in our batting too. And with the two T20 World Cups coming up [2020 and 2021], it is better to start that process now,” a source told mid-day.
Under Bangar’s five-year stint with Team India, a lot of batsmen have prospered. But at the same time, there have been problems that are yet to be sorted. Team India’s middle-order in ODIs is one such reason. India are yet to finalise their middle order. The recent form of batsmen like KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane is also a matter of concern.
Rahul has looked good in patches but Rahane’s struggle is really worrying. Rahane has not scored a century in his last 17 Tests. When asked whether these factors influence the selectors to opt for change, the source said:
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“That could be one of the reasons, but it is an overall assessment that made the selection committee look beyond Bangar. He has been with the Indian team since 2014.
The news outlet further claimed that Rathour impressed the selection committee with his ideas. Bangar’s stint with Team India will end after the ongoing tour of West Indies. Rathour will start his stint with the upcoming series against South Africa at home.
