Phil Simmons shows interest for India’s Head Coach job

Phil Simmons applies for India coach role

In the latest news regarding candidates for India’s Head Coach role, former West Indies opener Phil Simmons has applied for the same. Simmons, who had earlier coached teams like West Indies, Ireland and Zimbabwe, represents a very strong case for India’s topmost position. He has a fantastic record as a coach and has really good man-management skills. Former West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive Michael Muirhead had said that Simmons has a proven ability to develop players, while cultivating great team spirit and a winning culture.

According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, not only Simmons but another ‘South Africa legend’ too is interested in applying for the coveted post. While there are speculations going around in the media circle that either Ravi Shastri or Virender Sehwag would become India’s next coach, the entry of Simmons has added a new twist in the tale. Simmons has a rich history of coaching International teams. He has had two stints as a coach with the West Indies and has also coached teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland.

During an 8-year stint with Ireland, Simmons guided them to the 2011 and 2015 World Cups and has also oversaw wins over Test nations like England, West Indies and Zimbabwe. His biggest achievement came with West Indies during the 2016 World T20, where he guided them to their second T20 title. However, he was sacked by the WICB in September 2016 due to “differences in culture and strategic approach”.

The deadline to apply for the role, after Anil Kumble stepped down, has been extended to July 9. The former leg-spinner stepped down after a bitter rift with India captain Virat Kohli over his style of working. Apart from Shastri and Sehwag, Tom Moody, Lalchand Rajput, Richard Pybus and Dodda Ganesh have also sent in their applications to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).