Internet Desk: Daniel Vettori is among the shortlisted candidates in the running for the coveted post of coach of the Indian cricket team. The former New Zealander’s name is being suggested by current test captain Virat Kohli. Interestingly both Vettori and Kohli are with the same franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore in Indian Premier League.
Vettori, who announced retirement from international cricket in March, last year is also the head coach of Big Bash League side Brisbane Heat. Although Vettori’s name has been suggested by Kohli but there was no confirmation yet if the BCCI is giving the New Zealander a serious thought yet. Much will depend on whether BCCI will follow the trend of taking the views of international captains who have earlier had a say in the appointment of a coach. Greg Chappell and Gary Kirtsen were both appointed the coach of the Indian team in the past only after taking the opinion of the then Indian captains Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni. It will be interesting if BCCI will consider Kohli’s suggestion to appoint a new coach of Indian team.
Vettori is not the only candidate whose name is doing the rounds as far as shortlisted candidates is considered. It was reported last month about BCCI approached Rahul Dravid for the role of the head coach but the former India captain later said he would have to weigh the decision with a lot of consideration. “Any decision that I make at this stage of my life would depend on whether I have the bandwidth to do all of these things,” Dravid was quoted as saying in early April, after which he got busy coaching the Delhi Daredevils.
Also in the reckoning is former Team India Director Ravi Shastri. Shastri had a successful stint during which the Indian team became the No 1 Test team in the world. It reached the semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand before losing out to eventual winners Australia. The Indian team also reached the semi finals of the ICC World T20 held at home. Dhoni and his team lost the semi final to West Indies in Mumbai. Another important point which might go in favour with the former India captain was his relationship with the current cricketers. He mixed with the present Indian cricketers like an elder brother and invited a command in the team.
Another former Black Caps cricketer Stephen Fleming is also believed to be in the running for the coveted post. The former Chennai Super Kings coach shared an excellent rapport with MS Dhoni. But the combination has so far failed to click with Rising Pune Supergiants in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League.
While the details are not out yet on what the BCCI is thinking, it seems to be clear now that barring the role of the chief coach, there won’t be any other new appointments for now. Assistant coaches Sanjay Bangar, Bharat Arun and R Sridhar are likely to continue with their jobs.