With Ravi Shastri as a coach, Team India has been very successful in the bilateral series. They’ve won the Border-Gavaskar series twice in Australia, whitewashed England in all formats at home, and reached the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). He is praised across the International circuit for his man-management. One thing missing from his resume, however, is an ICC trophy.
Most coaches and captains are judged based on their potential to win ICC events. Because of his failure in doing so, India might start looking ahead. Ravi Shastri’s contract also ends after the T20 World Cup in UAE. It seems unlikely that Shastri’s tenure as head coach will get extended.
Considering the amount of money and the constant media attention, it’s not easy to fill in the shoes of India’s head coach. Since there are a plethora of options at hand, BCCI won’t think twice about replacing a failed coach either. On that note, we take a look at 5 potential people who can replace Ravi Shastri as India’s head coach:
1) Tom Moody
Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody is well respected among the cricketing fraternity. Having worked in the IPL as the coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, he already has experience dealing with Indian youngsters. During his tenure, SRH went on to win the IPL title in 2016. Their consistency across the last few editions is also a glorifiable achievement.
After retiring, Moody has had expertise training cricketers in various countries. He was the head coach of Sri Lanka during their amazing 2007 ODI World Cup run. He has experience in the Bangladesh Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, Big Bash and the Pakistan Super League as well. If anybody fits the bill, it’s Tom Moody.
2) Mahela Jayawardene
The Sri Lankan legend was a brilliant captain while playing for Sri Lanka. He was one for the big matches, having scored a stunning century in a losing cause during the 2011 World Cup final against India. Post-retirement, he acted as the batting coach for England Cricket Team.
Now, he’s the head coach of Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Under his guidance, they claimed three titles in four attempts. And if anybody knows how to win trophies as a coach, it’s Jayawardene. He also has experience in the Bangladesh Premier League, having coached the Khulna Tigers for a period of two years. Jayawardene already has a healthy relationship with the Indian players in the MI squad. He would fit in well as Ravi Shastri’s replacement with the senior team.
3) Mike Hesson
Another terrific option would be Mike Hesson. The Kiwi was one of the most successful coaches of the New Zealand side. Along with McCullum, he is credited for bringing the turn-around in the Black Caps’ cricketing fortunes. During his stay, Hesson oversaw New Zealand’s run to the final in the 2015 ODI World Cup.
In the IPL, he was the head coach of Punjab Kings in 2018 (formerly Kings XI Punjab). After stepping down from that job, he was appointed as the Director of Operations at Royal Challengers Bangalore. Since Virat Kohli is the skipper of RCB, Hesson already has a powerful working relationship with the Indian captain. He could do wonders with a strong side like India.
4) Rahul Dravid
‘The Wall’, as he’s fondly known, is another prospect who can coach the Indian side. His credentials are absolutely stunning, having worked with the U-19 squads, India A teams, and fringe players post-retirement. He is the Director of Cricket Operations at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and also recently coached India in the Sri Lanka tour.
Dravid is often credited for helping build India’s bench strength. His first stint as the head coach of an Indian team will be against Sri Lanka. There, he can witness first-hand the amount of talent going around the domestic circuit.
Although he has repeatedly turned down the chances of being the senior Team’s coach, one can only wonder whether the upcoming days will change his mind.
5) VVS Laxman
Former Indian middle-order batsman VVS Laxman could be a surprise pick for many. However, if his playing days are anything to go by, Laxman can thrive in the coaching role. He is currently a mentor for Sunrisers Hyderabad and has a lot of experience having learnt from Tom Moody.
Laxman is very outspoken and could be the ideal person to replace Ravi Shastri for the coaching job. Just like Dravid, he is well respected and has earned his laurels through hard work. If appointed, Laxman is capable of making sure that the Indian team doesn’t get complacent. His commitment to Indian cricket is there for everyone to see. Laxman also has a good relationship with the players and is looked up to by the squad members.
