COACHES TWO MANY: Kohli gets Shastri, but Dada throws in the Wall & Zak to keep the duo under check

SO IT IS Ravi Shastri at the end of it all who will once again oversee proceedings of the Indian team. This time as the head coach.  Ever since Anil Kumble and skipper Virat Kohli washed their dirty linen in public during the recently concluded Champions Trophy, the atmosphere in the Indian cricket team was reported as somber. 

As expected, Kumble resigned with utmost dignity and justified his decision to the Indian cricket board. Soon, the BCCI requested the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) to intervene and once again help them in choosing the new coach. Amidst much speculation and expectation, Shastri edged out Virender Sehwag. Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman finally had to relent to Kohli's behest. In fact, a few reports even suggested Ganguly's reluctance to choose Shastri. However, the southpaw only later agreed upon Tendulkar's reasoning. 

Truth be told, Shastri had a successful time as the team director and maintained a great rapport with the current crop. It was strange he was replaced by Kumble in the first place. 

But be that as it may, while Kohli's demand has been catered to, the CAC also appointed Rahul Dravid as the overseas batting consultant and Zaheer Khan as the bowling coach. It has also been learnt that Shastri was in favour of Bharat Arun as the bowling coach, but Ganguly thought otherwise and went with his former team-mate. 

Before picking Shastri, Ganguly had informed the media as to how the committee would discuss the role of the new coach with Kohli keeping the 2019 World Cup in mind in order to avoid any more unpleasant episodes between the captain and the coach. While the debate of whether the captain runs the team or not can continue, it is only fair that like his predecessors, Kohli is also given an equal opportunity to call the shots. 

It's not to be forgotten how Ganguly-John Wright and MS Dhoni-Gary Kirsten pair took India to great heights. On both occasions, the coaches played a perfect second fiddle to the skippers. At the end of the day, it's all about partnership and working together as a team. 

That said, we are all aware of how Kohli-Shastri can run amok in Indian team just like it panned out during the latter's tenure as the team director a year ago. Furthermore, Shastri was also all by himself with nobody of equal stature around the dressing room to intervene. Now with Dravid's and Zaheer's inclusion, it will be interesting to see how Shastri deals with the situation. Surely, there is no doubting Shastri's credentials, but he will need to curb his impetuousness in the presence of Dravid and Zaheer. Tendulkar might be the most loved cricketer in India, but Dravid remains the most revered. Zaheer too carries the tag of one of the greatest seamers India ever produced.

Shastri's first assignment will be the upcoming Lankan tour, and while we understand that Dravid won't travel with the team, Zaheer is likely to be in the support staff. However, things will only get interesting when the team travels overseas towards the end of the year.

Given Dravid's and Zaheer's exploits in foreign conditions, the duo will be immersed in helping/advising the players. As a result, Shastri could get overshadowed or can also be made to look redundant. Knowing Shastri's expressive approach, he is likely to voice his opinion. As a coach, it will be his duty to serve the team in every way possible. We expect clash of opinions here which might eventually lead to fallout.  Here Dravid and Zaheer aren’t going to massage Shastri’s ego! 

After Kumble's unceremonious exit, India is still lucky to have the best possible coaching staff running up to the 2019 World Cup. As Dravid and Zaheer will bring in their respective expertise, Shastri has already proven to be a great motivator for the Indian team. Furthermore, his relationship with the current crop is well documented. What will be interesting to see is if Shastri succeeds in carrying forward Kumble’s discipline, commitment and work ethic. 

Moving on, regardless how the new coaching staff go about their business, Kohli and Shastri will feel the heat. It’s not to be forgotten that Kohli has been briefed about the role of the coach and the support staff by Ganguly and co. However, given his impasse with Kumble, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he gets reported for rubbing Dravid or Zaheer the wrong way. Kohli might continue to win bilateral series, but to cement his legacy as a great skipper, he will have to win the trophies that matter. Just like MS Dhoni did. 

Finally, he must thank the BCCI and CAC for respecting his demands and views despite his unwillingness to continue with Kumble. However, he will do well to realize that BCCI’s patience runs thin, and while his man Shastri is likely to remain until the 2019 World Cup, Dada will play a longer innings. If anyone thought the coach appointment saga is over,  they are highly mistaken. The mess has just begun.
 

Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.