The head coach shares a bond with Virat Kohli, ending it could be the wrong move.
Following the ICC World Cup 2019, the BCCI has opened up applications for various coaching positions to the public, inviting any and everyone to apply. Currently, Ravi Shastri is the head coach, Sanjay Bangar is the assistant coach, Bharat Arun is the bowling coach, and R Sridhar is the fielding coach. Their contracts have been extended by 45 days or until new names are assigned to their positions. Chief selector MSK Prasad has made it clear that they will be focusing on rebuilding the team and may start new, fresh faces for the T20 World Cup in 2020 and the 2023 ICC World Cup.
Both Kohli and Shastri are still coming to terms with India’s exit from the tournament. A BCCI official released a statement that breaking the pair’s partnership may be the wrong decision since it has served them well over the past three to four years. He also said that the bond that exists between them inside the dressing room will be broken if a new head coach will be appointed.
“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,” said the official. He later added that appointing a new head coach could force a sudden change in the strategy putting Kohli and Shastri’s hard work to waste. “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.”
With Virat Kohli leading the team in the upcoming India tour of West Indies, it will be exciting to see how he handles some fresh, new faces in the team. Will he be an aggressive mentor or will he follow in “Captain Cool’s” footsteps? To find out more about the upcoming India tour of West Indies and other cricket-related events, visit Betwala’s page.
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