The Indian cricket team’s coaching and support staff are most likely to undergo a massive revamp after the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Ravi Shastri plans to retire
Head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach R Sridhar and batting coach Vikram Rathour are likely to part ways with the national team post the tournament in October-November.
He came to the fore after Anil Kumble resigned as the coach following an alleged controversy with skipper Virat Kohli.
Shastri first took over the team in 2014 as director till the T20 World Cup in 2016 after which Anil Kumble was appointed for a year. He was made the full-time coach in 2017 after India’s defeat in the Champions Trophy final.
With Shastri as coach, India won two away series in Australia before reaching the finals of the World Test Championship last month.
But going by reports, it’s likely for the national team to get a new coach later this year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is also looking for a new group, the Indian Express reported.
Rahul Dravid Expects to Replace Ravi
Rahul Dravid is being speculated to be one of the frontrunners to take over as the head coach if he wishes to apply. Dravid was in charge of the Indian team that played three ODIs and as many T20Is in Sri Lanka last month. While the veteran enjoyed working as a head coach, he understood the challenges involved in full-time roles.
“I have enjoyed the experience of working with these guys, it has been great. I have not given any other thoughts to anything else. There are a lot of challenges in doing full-time roles, so I really don’t know,” Dravid was quoted as saying.
Under Dravid’s tutelage, India won the ODI series 2-1 but lost the T20I series 1-2. In the 20-over format, they didn’t have quite a few of their players after Krunal Pandya was tested positive for COVID-19.
“Rahul Dravid could well reapply for the post but with Ravi Shastri’s tenure ending in November 2021 after T20 WC, there is every possibility of Rahul being elevated to head coach’s position. Bottom line, he remains very much a part of system,” a BCCI source had told PTI.
Dravid has earned loads of accolades over the years for grooming young talents in the country. Shastri, in the meantime, is with Virat Kohli and Co. who are set to play the second Test against England, starting August 12 at the Lord’s.
