SRI vs IND: OMG! Gautam Gambhir's 5 coaching staff suggestions rejected by BCCI, but why?
Xtra Time Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively searching for new support staff for the senior men's team following the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach. Gambhir, eager to finalize his coaching team, had recommended several names for various roles. However, the BCCI has not been receptive to most of his suggestions.
Gambhir's recommendations included R Vinay Kumar, Morne Morkel, Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate, Jonty Rhodes, and Laxmipathy Balaji. Of these, the BCCI has only accepted Abhishek Nayar, who is currently an assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders. No formal announcement has been made, but the BCCI seems inclined to bring Nayar on board.
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The roles of bowling and fielding coach remain unfilled, with the BCCI not favoring Gambhir's other suggestions. Instead, the board is reportedly interested in appointing Zaheer Khan as the next bowling coach. Zaheer Khan, one of India's finest pacers, has an impressive record with 311 Test wickets in 92 matches and a total of 610 wickets in 309 international matches across all formats.
Laxmipathy Balaji's name was also considered. Balaji has played eight Test matches for India, taking 27 wickets at an average of 37.18, and 34 wickets in 30 ODIs at an average of 39.52.
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Paras Mahambrey's term as the bowling coach ended with Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach. As for the fielding coach, T Dilip's tenure might be extended.
This approach contrasts with the freedom previously given to Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid in selecting their coaching staff, suggesting a different strategy under Gambhir's leadership.