Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to invite more applications for the post of Indian team’s coach to give Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) a wide range of options for picking a suitable candidate. On Tuesday, Anil Kumble stepped down from the post of India's head coach following a difference of opinion with skipper Virat Kohli. The 46-year old spent a year as in charge of the Indian cricket team, his contract as coach ended with the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
BCCI didn't extend Kumble's contract despite his outstanding record with the team, however, they offered him an extension till the West Indies tour, which was duly declined by Jumbo.
The cricket board’s move came following Anil Kumble’s acrimonious exit from the job. Kumble on Tuesday refused extension of his contract till the West Indies tour, citing captain Virat Kohli’s reservation over his ‘style’ of functioning.
A top BCCI official associated with the process told PTI that another 7-10 days may be given for fresh applications so that other interested candidates with suitable qualification and stature can apply for the top job.
“Look, when we had invited applications last time, Anil was an automatic entry. That might have prompted a lot of people from thinking that what’s the need to apply when the current coach is doing well and is in the mix,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on Wednesday.
“Now the situation has completely changed. A lot of people will now be interested knowing it’s an open field,” the official added. When BCCI had advertised the post, the last date to send application was 31 May.
Asked about Virender Sehwag, who is considered a favourite, the official said, “Sehwag’s application has no relation with BCCI to call for more applications. In the end, it would be CAC which will decide on the next coach. More the options, better the choice.”
As of now, Sehwag, Tom Moody, Lalchand Rajput, Richard Pybus, Doda Ganesh are the applicants. Former Australia bowling coach Craig McDermott also had applied but it was rejected as it didn’t come on time.
(With PTI Inputs)
