The support staff of the Indian team is likely to undergo a total revamp by the end of this year. As per the reports of the Indian Express, head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach R Sridhar and batting coach Vikram Rathour will be expected to be replaced after the T20 World Cup to be held across October-November in the UAE
Ravi Shastri has informed some BCCI officials that he is planning to part ways with the national team after the tournament when his contract ends. Some of the other support staff, meanwhile, are already in talks with IPL teams. Shastri became the full-time coach in 2017 after India’s defeat in the Champions Trophy final. With Shastri as a coach, India won two away series in Australia before reaching the finals of the World Test Championship earlier this year in June.
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Arun has had a huge role to play in making a formidable Indian bowling attack in the world while R Sridhar played a role in the evolution of the team as a sturdy fielding side. However, India has failed to win an ICC trophy during their tenure, losing in the semifinal of the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the final of the World Test Championship.
At home, India is almost invincible, defeating Australia, England and South Africa. During this period, India’s bench strength increased manifold — as borne out by the staggering series win in Australia — with a swelling pool of ready-for-international cricketers.
Good to be back at the @HomeOfCricket. Some very fond memories here… #TeamIndia 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/txmelmxJ2Q
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 10, 2021
Ravi Shastri has often been credited for infusing the streak of resilience in the Indian team. His chemistry with Kohli is pretty evident as they have groomed the youngsters in the team – the blossoming of Rishabh Pant is a case in point. But now, the cricket board has decided that a change is needed for the team to land an IC trophy.
According to protocol, the board will be inviting applications for the coaching positions after the T20 World Cup. Some officials are already pointing to Rahul Dravid. The latter’s experience in working with most of the current members of the Indian team, especially those who had been India-A regulars, would make him one of the frontrunners if he decides to apply.
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However, when asked about this option during the Lanka tour, Dravid had said: “I have enjoyed the experience of working with these guys, it has been great. I have not given any other thoughts to anything else. There are a lot of challenges in doing full-time roles, so I really don’t know.”
