Exclusive: Top ideal contenders for the head coach of Team India

VVS Laxman, Tom Moody, Sourav Ganguly, and Mahela Jayawardene among the top ideal contenders for the coveted post of the head coach of team India.

Is Ravi Shastri going to hold on to his position or will he be replaced? If he is replaced, who is going to replace him? This has really been the talk of the town, ever since Team India lost to the Kiwis in the semifinals of World Cup 2019.

So, let’s look at the top contenders for the Head Coach for Team India.

RAVI SHASTRI- THE COACH

A controversial character ever since his playing days, Ravi Shastri took the helm of Team India in 2017. He was appointed as the ‘head coach’ by the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising of Ganguly, Tendulkar, and Laxman. His stint of more than 2 years at the helm is no smooth path. Tough tours to South Africa, England, and Australia in less than 2 years is what Shastri had to face. 

Though numbers tell you a different story, India remained competitive in all three tours. While India lost the test series in South Africa and England, but not once were they dominated. The bowling group under the mentoring of Bharat Arun transformed itself into a well-oiled machine capable of running through opposition lineups. Not many would disagree if I state that this current bowling lineup is the best India have ever had.

Ravi’s straightforward nature has been on display most of the time. His press meets and interviews show us how proud he has been of his team. 

While Team India have had their share of success, it has not been without their blunders in terms of team selection, nurturing the players properly, inflicting confidence in a player by removing insecurity, etc.  So, now that we are all set to look out for the new coach, it wouldn’t be bad to highlight the challenges the team is facing currently. 

NEW COACH- EXPECTATION AND CHALLENGES

India’s middle-order has been a work in progress for eternity now, and the number four conundrum needs to be sorted as soon as possible. Considering Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan too are at their prime, India also need to groom a backup opener.

More importantly, the team is in a desperate need to groom a wicket-keeper since Dhoni isn’t going to be there forever. While Pant looks the best option as of now, we also need to look at alternatives. The rumors of split captaincy between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may have been currently put to rest, but it would also be one of the hot topics to be discussed after the West Indies tour. 

So, considering all these factors, which are the top ideal candidates apart from Ravi  Shastri for the head coach of Team India.

TOP CANDIDATES

1. TOM MOODY

The former Australian all-rounder is making a lot of sound in and around cricketing fraternity. Netizens believe Moody’s the right man to be at the helm of Indian Cricket Team. As a matter of fact, this might be his third try to become the head coach of Team India, after two unsuccessful attempts in 2005 and 2017.

What might work in his favor is his stint as the coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad. He worked with them for seven years, and the team made it to the playoffs in five of them; winning once in 2016. Also, his calm demeanor shall compliment the captain, Virat Kohli’s instinctive approach.

2. VVS LAXMAN

India’s own, VVS Laxman is also in the race for the Head Coach post. The legendary batsman has been vocal about his interests for the job. He too carries the calm demeanor which might work outstandingly well alongside Virat.

Also, having seen the Indian cricket circuit for such a long time now, he understands the administration and the sport itself, inside out. Most importantly, his love for test cricket is well documented, and with the Test Championship commencing soon, it might be the perfect time for VVS to take over as the Indian coach.

3. SOURAV GANGULY

Ideally, Ganguly may not qualify to apply for the post of Indian Coach considering his lack of coaching experience. However, ignoring the qualification criteria, selection of Ganguly as the head coach would be a dream come true for millions of fans in India.

Ganguly’s astute mind and his aggressive approach might just add the much-needed discipline in the team. He might also introduce the split captaincy decision, which the majority of us have been wanting to happen. 

4. MAHELA JAYAWARDENE

Mahela is the coach of the most decorated team of the Indian Premier League, the Mumbai Indians. Under him, MI have won two of the last three editions of the IPL. His understanding with Rohit Sharma, the captain of MI can help India a lot.  A tactical mastermind, Mahela is the most suitable for the big job. He brings in a lot of experience, and his man-management skills can take this Indian team to greater heights.

So, these are the top ideal contenders for the Head Coach for Team India. 

CONCLUSION:

All the four mentioned are pure professionals at their work, and have enough experience at the highest level. We wish all four the very best in running for the post of head coach of Team India.

We just hope we get the best candidate, who can take India to a much-needed ICC trophy, which has been pending since 2013.

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