The Indian cricket team’s coaching staff is likely to undergo a complete overhaul after the T20 World Cup 2021 as the contracts of present coaches end after the ICC event. Ravi Shastri, the present head coach of the national team, was first handed the job in 2017. He was joined by bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar. They were also part of the backroom staff when Shastri had taken over as director in 2014.
As has been the norm since 2016, the BCCI will advertise for the posts and those who are interested will be interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). While the process is still months away, the BCCI has reportedly kicked off the preparations for the same.
As per PTI, the apex board may ask VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble to apply for the job. While Kumble’s name has been trending right since the reports emerged, Laxman’s name is also gaining equal attention.
A member of the Fab Four, Laxman had a legendary career for Team India. He scored 8781 runs in 134 Tests and finished with 2338 runs in 86 ODIs. Laxman was among India’s best batsmen against Australia and scored 2434 runs in 29 Tests against the mighty Aussies.
Although he hasn’t worked with BCCI as a coach, Laxman is a veteran coach in IPL. He has been Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) mentor since 2012 and is also associated with the Cricket Association of Bengal as its batting consultant.
The 46-year-old will be one of the strongest contenders if he throws his hat in the ring. Laxman will have to quit as SRH’s mentor if appointed as the BCCI’s rules don’t allow coaches to hold more than one post. He will also have to give up his commentary commitments.
The same will be the case with Kumble. The former India coach is presently associated with Punjab Kings and will have to leave the franchise if he rejoins the national team. Kumble had served as India’s head coach in 2016/17.
