Ravi Shastri has been officially named the new head coach of the Indian cricket team till World Cup 2019.
After Indian coach Anil Kumble has stepped down from his post following India’s defeat in the hands of Pakistan in Champions Trophy Final, BCCI is in the hunt for a new coach.
There were reports of rift being created between Kumble and captain Virat Kohli during the Champions Trophy. It is believed this rift has led to his resignation from the post of head coach.
BCCI has also hired former pacer Zaheer Khan as the team”s bowling consultant, while former captain Rahul Dravid would serve as batting consultant for overseas tours.
BCCI started the process of appointing a new coach in May 2017 by inviting applications from interested candidates. Anil Kumble’s name was automatically roped in. Others who threw their hat in the ring were Sehwag, Moody, Richard Pybus, Rajput, Dodda Ganesh.
The new coach was supposed to be picked by the CAC which comprises of Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly. CAC was very keen on renewing Kumble’s contract.
https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/884828837749563392
Later on, the BCCI decided to extend the cut-off date to 9 July in a bid to invite more application. The candidates to come to the party during this period were Lance Klusener, Ravi Shastri, Phil Simmons, Rakesh Sharma and surprisingly a 30-year-old construction engineer named Upendranath Brahmachari.
Ravi Shastri: Head coach
Zaheer Khan: Bowling coach
Rahul Dravid: Batting consultant for overseas tour
The new coaching staff”s first assignment will be the upcoming series in Sri Lanka.
Shastri having a great cricketing brain, good man management skills and backing of Virat Kohli got the nod over other candidates. He will serve India till 2019 World Cup.
https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/884829819300487168
– by Atharva Apte