Ravi Shastri to step down as Team India’s head coach after T20 World Cup – Sources
Team India head coach Ravi Shastri is all but guaranteed to step down from the top post after the upcoming T20 World Cup. His contract expires after the ICC event and he is not looking to renew it, as per BCCI sources.
Shastri has already revealed the decision to the top brass in the BCCI. He took over the role back in 2017 on a two-year contract and renewed for two more in August 2019. However, it might be the end of the road for him once the World Cup concludes.
Indian team is expected to undergo a thorough rejig of the support staff as well according to the source. Ravi Shastri’s assistant, bowling coach Bharat Arun, and fielding coach R Sridhar are all expected to be let go. Batting coach Vikram Rathore on the other hand might get another gig.
Discussions have started on appointing Ravi Shastri’s successor
The Indian board has already begun the search for the next head coach. BCCI will soon be inviting applications for the post. A shortlist be created based on the applications and the interviews will be conducted soon after.
Speculations are rife that former cricketers Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag are the frontrunners for the role. The new coach and support staff will miss India’s two-match Test series against New Zealand at home. They will join the team on their tour of South Africa later this year.
Ravi Shastri’s contract might also be extended for a month if necessary. This will help the team during their series against the Kiwis, who will be visiting soon after the T20 World Cup.
India has tasted plenty of success under Shastri, especially in the Tests. The recent tours of Australia and England are prime examples of that. However, they have failed to get their hands on an ICC trophy during his tenure which may be considered as a blemish on an otherwise successful career.
