Ravi Shastri to apply for Indian cricket team coach post, favourite for top job | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Ravi Shastri to apply for Indian cricket team coach post, favourite for top job

Hindustan Times, Mumbai | By
Jun 27, 2017 08:09 PM IST

When the BCCI first asked for applications for the Indian cricket team coach’s position, Ravi Shastri had not applied for the job but after Anil Kumble decided to opt out of the race, the former India all-rounder has taken a call to go for a second innings.

Ravi Shastri has decided to throw his hat in the ring for the India cricket coach’s job. Having the full backing of India captain Virat Kohli and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials, he is the clear favourite for the job.

Ravi Shastri was earlier the team director of Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team.(AFP)
Ravi Shastri was earlier the team director of Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team.(AFP)

When the BCCI had first asked for applications for the national coach’s position Shastri had not applied for the job but after Anil Kumble decided to opt out of the race, the former India all-rounder has taken a call to go for a second innings.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“Yes, I have decided to apply for the job,” reports quoting Shastri said.

Shastri had done well in his first stint with the India team before losing his job to Anil Kumble, who was selected by the three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.

Read | Anil Kumble was impeccable in his role as coach: Committee of Administrators

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 India all-rounder to apply for the most coveted position in coaching in the cricket world.

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.

Read | Anil Kumble gets Abhinav Bindra’s indirect support on rift with Virat Kohli

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.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Catch all the Latest Cricket News, Live Cricket Score and IPL 2024 Schedule, match updates along with Cricket Schedule, Purple Cap in IPL 2024, Orange Cap in IPL 2024 and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On