Published: Jul 11, 2017, 10:48 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 11, 2017, 11:10 PM (IST)
BCCI finally announced India head coach after a day’s delay and endless rumours. Ravi Shastri edged past Virender Sehwag, Lalchand Rajput, Richard Pybus, and Tom Moody for the top judge. The board also employed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as the bowling coach. On the other hand, former India captain and India Under-19 and India A coach Rahul Dravid will be the team’s batting consultant for overseas tour. Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) members Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Sourav Ganguly appointed Shastri as head coach after interviewing the candidates.
The CAC had postponed the announcement, asking for more time so they can take the final verdict after talking to captain Virat Kohli. All the same, Committee of Administrators (CoA) was unhappy with decision, as July 10 was scheduled as the deadline.
“On Cricket Advisory Committee’s recommendation, we have decided to appoint Ravi Shastri as the chief coach while Zaheer Khan will be appointed bowling coach for a period of two years,” BCCI acting president CK Khanna confirmed the development.
Here is BCCI’s official press release:
“The BCCI announces the appointment of Mr. Ravi Shastri as the Head Coach, Mr. Zaheer Khan as the Bowling Consultant and Mr. Rahul Dravid who will be the Overseas Batting Consultant (Test cricket) for the Indian Cricket Team.
As part of the process for selecting the Head Coach, the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising of Mr. Sachin Tendulkar, Mr. Sourav Ganguly and Mr. VVS Laxman conducted the interviews and recommended these appointments in the best interest of the Indian Cricket.
The term of the appointments will be till the World Cup 2019.
Mr. Shastri has been the Team Director in the past, and brings with him a wealth of experience, both as player and as coach.
Mr. Khan is a contemporary cricketer who assumed the mentoring role to a young fast bowling unit even during his playing days with India. His inputs will be of immense value to our young fast bowlers, who have shown tremendous potential in the last couple of years.
As the Indian team is to play Test cricket overseas in the next two years, Rahul Dravid’s expertise as batting consultant will be immensely helpful for youngsters.
The Board appreciates the contribution of the Cricket Advisory Committee – Mr. Sachin Tendulkar, Mr. Sourav Ganguly and Mr. VVS Laxman for recommending these appointments which will take Indian Cricket to greater heights.
The Board would like to wish these Gentlemen the very best and they along with the players together will take Indian Cricket to new heights.”
