Advisory committee to have a say in selecting India coach

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar – REUTERS

ESPNcricinfo: Anurag Thakur, the BCCI Secretary, confirmed that the newly-formed Cricket Advisory Committee will play a role in appointing India’s head coach and team director in the coming days. Reiterating that the board was in no hurry to finalise the chief of India’s support staff, Thakur also hinted at Ravi Shatri being a strong contender to continue his job even beyond the Bangladesh tour.

“Of course yes, (the committee will be involved). Today we have very categorically mentioned how to strengthen Indian cricket,”

Thakur told reporters after the first meeting of the cricket advisory committee, consisting of Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly. “We will shortlist the names of coaches, physios and trainers. They will again be involved to take their opinion on who could be the best for Indian cricket. We are not in a hurry to announce any names but we are planning for the betterment of Indian cricket.

“As far as Shastri is concerned, the media speculated about so many hurdles and they spread rumours that his future was over. I think, leave something for us to decide. We have tried our best to remove the speculations. Now we’ve tried to bridge the gap between media and the BCCI. So in time, we will take a decision on this (Head Coach and Team Director’s role) and we have given a role to the Cricket Advisory Committee. We’ll take their suggestions before finalising on somebody.”

Even Shastri, in an interview with ESPNcricinfo, said he is likely to discuss his future plans with the BCCI towards the end of the Bangladesh tour. However, when asked specifically if he was willing to take a long-term role, he remained non-committal

“This Bangladesh tour will be over by the 25th of this month. I will be in conversation with the board at some stage to see what their plans are and what they think of my plans, and then take it from there,” Shastri said. “I am not thinking anything ahead. I am thinking Bangladesh, and that’s it.”

Ever since Duncan Fletcher’s tenure as head coach expired at the end of the World Cup, the BCCI has not appointed his replacement. After a two-month wait, the BCCI announced earlier this week that Shastri will continue as the team director for the short tour to Bangladesh.

It is understood that Ganguly is also interested in taking up a long-term role similar to Shastri’s. Asked whether a member of the Cricket Advisory Committee could become a coach, Thakur remained non-committal, though he clarified that Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman had all made themselves available to mentor India’s cricketers.

“As I have said, we have not shortlisted the names. Let’s not speculate or imagine. Let us wait. We will have a few names coming up in short time and the next committee will be held soon.”

Thakur also suggested that the triumvirate were open to travelling with the India squad.

“If need be yes,” he said. “They are open about their services. They are willing to contribute to Indian cricket. They want to create a good bench strength. They are willing to contribute in whatever manner - as a mentor or advisor. It’s up to the BCCI to utilise their services. As of now no one is travelling to Bangladesh from the committee.”