With the first one-day international of their tour to West Indies taking place on June 23, India will want to try and have a coach in position for the bulk of their stint in the Caribbean.
Following their Champions Trophy final defeat to Pakistan, the powers that be at the BCCI will want to move quickly and ensure the team are moving forward.
Who do you think could fit the bill as their new coach?
These are our six candidates:
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Will surely be the popular choice among fans and perhaps even within some quarters of the BCCI. Sehwag has the absolute respect of the dressing room, has a brilliant cricket mind, is enthusiastic, inspirational and straight-talking. What counts against him, of course, is his lack of experience, especially against other candidates.
Sehwag would be a popular choice.
The sensible, common sense decision but the India A and Under-19 coach is understood to be reluctant at taking the top job due to the travel commitments involved. That being said, with public pressure and a job offer in front of him, Dravid could be persuaded otherwise. Another possibility is a team director’s role with someone like Sehwag alongside him.
Coaching in the ranks already: Dravid.
Was overlooked in favour of Kumble 12 months ago but remains a deeply influential and authoratitive figure in India cricket and, maybe, the BCCI may see the error of their ways.
What may swing matters in his favour is his strong relationship with Kohli who recommended Shastri to the CAC last month and could well be kingmaker in the final decision.
Could he make a return?
The Australian ticks every box in terms of experience and his ability to get teams playing good cricket in all formats. Has vast experience of Indian cricket during his successful spell with IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2012-2017. His time as Sri Lanka coach also boost his CV. It just remains unclear if the BCCI explicitly want an Indian in charge.
Moody has a stellar reputation in international cricket.
Has done a fine job with Afghanistan since being appointed head coach in July 2016 but it’s perhaps difficult to truly assess his impact in such a short period of time. Has worked with the India Under-19 and T20 team before but an incident while coach of Mumbai in 2008 could count against him as he was seen laughing on TV when Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth.
Rajput (L) is an experienced coach.
The real outside bet, given he’s been more known for his appearance on Bigg Boss last year – lasting two weeks in the house – than his coaching. He does, however, have pedigree having worked with the National Cricket Academy’s Under-16 and Under-19 sides and as India slowly usher in more younger players, he could prove to be a good fit.
Unlikely option for India but they make thing outside the box.
