Kolkata: The much-awaited decision to name the next coach of the Indian team was deferred by the Cricket Advisory Committee as the three member panel believed that they needed to take into consideration the Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s opinions.
While Shastri was tipped to succeed Anil Kumble for the top job due to the cordial relationship he shares with Kohli, the tables seemed to have turned in the favour of Virender Sehwag, who also is a favourite to be the new coach of the Indian team.
The CAC interviewed five candidates in a long four-hour session and according to sources, they have picked their former teammate Sehwag as their choice. The trio of Sourav, Sachin and Laxman were left impressed by the plans the former Indian opener had about the Indian team for the next two year-till the 2019 World Cup, when the tenure of the coach would come to an end.
The decision to name India’s next coach was put on hold till Monday as the CAC believed that they needed to talk to skipper Kohli before making their decision official. But according to a source this, “doesn’t mean the CAC is seeking Virat’s approval.”
As a matter of fact, in a press conference, former Indian skipper and CAC member Sourav Ganguly said that, “Virat needs to understand how coaches operate,” which indirectly hints at the fact that Ravi Shastri might not be given the job.
Ganguly and Shastri was involved in an ugly verbal spat last year during the appointment of the coach, the job which was then given to the legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble.
The CAC deferring the decision to inform Kohli about the new coach and his plans with the team also means that Ravi Shastri might not be in the race anymore. If he was selected by the CAC, the Indian team could have got it’s new coach today itself given the fact that he shares a very good rapport with the Indian captain.
Vinod Rai, the head of the Supreme Court appointed Committee of Administrators said a few days back that the CAC would have the final say in the selection of the new coach.
Sehwag now stands as a top contender to walk away with the job. The former dashing Indian batsman has been the mentor of the IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab earlier where he nearly took them to the playoff stages.
Although he is nowhere in terms of experience if compared to the other candidates, he seems to have pleased the CAC most. Only the coming days would reveal as to whether he gets the job or not.