BCCI reveals why they rejected the idea of having Ravi Shastri as India batting coach
The name of the next Indian coach was announced a few days back but it seems that the hoopla around the selection process will not die anytime soon. According to recent reports, the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, V V S Laxman did recommend Shastri’s name as the batting coach but as they had to stick to the brief given by the BCCI, they could only pick the head coach.
Shastri who was the team director of the Indian cricket team till the end of the ICC T20 World Cup 2016 had applied for the position of head coach and had also submitted his presentation in advance to the committee. Shastri also gave his interview via video link from Bangkok when the coach selection process was being conducted in Kolkata on 21 June.
Shirke clears the air
According to reports, Shastri lagged behind the likes of Tom Moody and Anil Kumble in the race and only then did the committee want Shastri to be part of the set-up as the batting coach. But BCCI Secretary, Ajay Shirke cleared the air and told the Indian Express, “It was a long meeting, which lasted seven-eight hours. Ideas were bounced off. Yes, the panel recommended Shastri’s name as batting coach, at which point I intervened. The committee’s mandate was restricted to appointing the head coach of the Indian team and I just reminded them that.”
Also read: Ravi Shastri talks about the India coach selection process
He also added, “We have taken a decision that like all professional sporting set-ups, the head coach will bring his own team of support staff. The BCCI is striving for transparency, professionalism and excellence.”
Controversy regarding Ganguly’s absence when Shastri was being interviewed erupted as the latter was visibly upset at the snub. The former India captain was busy attending the state association’s working committee meeting at the Cricket Association of Bengal between 5 pm and 6.30 pm and it was learnt that he took prior permission to leave the process and was apprised of the panel’s interaction with Shastri when he returned.
Also read: Ravi Shastri says Sourav Ganguly was not present when he was interviewed for India coach
Kohli voted in favour of Kumble
As the quest for the Indian coach became a two-way battle between Tom Moody and Anil Kumble, the legendary leg-spinner reportedly got the nod after India’s Test skipper Virat Kohli gave his vote of confidence.
A BCCI insider said, “Kumble’s name was finalised following feedback from Kohli. Both Kumble and Moody gave very impressive presentations. In fact, the Australian became a serious choice, given his coaching pedigree. But Kohli wanted Kumble with an eye to improve the performance of the spinners overseas. Spinners don’t win us Tests outside the subcontinent and Kohli felt Kumble could play an important role in this regard,” as reported by the Indian Express.