Confusion reigns over India cricket coach; BCCI quashes reports on Shastri crowning

CONFUSION REIGNED TODAY on the much-followed decision on the appointment of a coach for the Indian cricket team.

Late afternoon, reports emerged that the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman had picked former India team director Ravi Shastri ahead of Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody, Lalchand Rajput, and Richard Pybus to assume the position of head coach.

Earlier, the CAC was scheduled to announce the name on July 10. However, Ganguly yesterday had stated that the decision will be revealed after having a discussion with skipper Virat Kohli, who is on a holiday now. Following the statement, the chairman of Supreme Court appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA), Vinod Rai, overturned the CAC’s decision and requested the BCCI to announce the name on July 11. 

Soon after Shastri's appointment was flashed, the BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhury held a press conference stating that no decision had been taken.

No decision has been made on the appointment of the new coach, the CAC (Cricket Advisory Committee) is still deliberating over it.

The new coach will take over duties from legendary leggie Anil Kumble, who stepped down from the high-profile post last month. It is learnt that the CAC was looking for a long-term coach and that they have appointed Shastri until 2019 World Cup.

Meanwhile, amidst this drama, the Indian team is set to fly Sri Lanka for a three-match Test, five-match ODI and a lone T20I, starting July 26.

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