Ravi Shastri Leads Race To Become Indian Team Coach
Former team director Ravi Shastri put his name in the hat for the Indian cricket team’s job by formally applying for the post on Monday. It is been widely speculated that Sachin Tendulkar had a big hand in Shastri handing in his application for the post of head coach, having urged Shastri to do so. According to cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, Shastri is the frontrunner in the race and it is all but certain that he’ll be getting the job.
The coach’s position has been vacant after Anil Kumble resigned last week, revealing his partnership with India captain Virat Kohli had become “untenable”. Kumble’s original one-year contract ended with the Champions Trophy, but he decided not to reapply after things took a sour turn. Amid speculation and uncertainty about who would be replacing Anil Kumble, the BCCI India had invited further applications.
Ravi Shastri, who was India’s team director in 2014, has decided to apply for the position of the Indian team’s coach. He also rubbished claims that he would apply after he is assured of actually getting the job. Shastri was director of the Indian cricket team between 2014 and 2016 which saw the Indian team succeed in all formats. He led the team to the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup and 2016 T20I World Cup. He had also applied for the job of head coach in 2016 but Kumble was chosen over him.
One of the main things in Shastri’s favour is his cordial relationship with Kohli and other members of the team. It is also reported that, prior to Kumble’s appointment, Kohli had recommended Shastri to take over as head coach to the Cricket Advisory Committee.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) will hold interviews for the job on July 10 in Mumbai. The CAC comprises of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. Apart from Shastri, Virender Sehwag, Lalchand Rajput, Tom Moody, Richard Pybus and Dodda Ganesh make up the list of esteemed candidates.
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