Change in coach may disturb the equations, says senior BCCI official

In the aftermath of the heartbreaking loss to New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final, it was expected that the positions of the backroom staff will come into question. It was even suggested that Rohit Sharma should replace Kohli as captain in the shorter formats of the game. However, even as the CoA invites applications for the position of the head coach and support staff of the Indian team, the BCCI officials firmly believe that it is important that Ravi Shastri continues as the head coach.

“A change in coach may prove to disturb the equation that exists which allows the players to have the mental space to excel. If a change is made at this stage, then it would be a change of strategy and planning for the next 5 years. It would be unfair to take such a decision at a stage when the stakeholders are not the ones deciding,” a senior BCCI official was quoted saying by IANS.

Shastri took over the reins as head coach of Team India after Anil Kumble’s infamous departure in 2017, citing a poor relationship with captain Kohli. Since Shastri took over, India have scaled to the top of the Test rankings. Known well for his man-management skills, Shastri has enjoyed a close relationship with all the players, especially the skipper.

Now, as Team India looks ahead to the 2020 T20 World Cup, and 2023 World Cup, the two heads will look to back as many youngsters as possible. The key, at least over the next 12 months, is a smooth transition.

“Nothing permanent with a long term effect should happen at this stage of transition. Shastri and Kohli complement each other well and it would be unfair to change half of a team that has been successful,” the official explained.

Although the current coaching staff were handed a 45-day extension after the World Cup, the BCCI did invite applications for the positions of all the coaching roles and administrative manager on July 16. It is also understood that assistant coach Sanjay Bangar is under the scanner after the manner of India’s semi-final loss and the inability to find a number four batsman over the last two seasons.

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