Ravi Shastri has gotten his way. The newly selected Indian cricket coach, back from his tennis-viewing holiday in England, sat down with the BCCI on Tuesday and effectively managed to overrule the board’s earlier decision.
Who needs Zaheer Khan or Rahul Dravid anyway?
Ravi Shastri has got his first choice for bowling coach, Bharat Arun, on board – exactly one week after the BCCI sent a formal press statement declaring Zaheer Khan as the team’s bowling consultant.
I was in England, I was watching tennis. I was very clear in my mind what my core team would be. And what you just heard, is my core team.Ravi Shastri at BCCI press conference
India’s New Support Staff
- Ravi Shastri - Head Coach
- Sanjay Bangar - Assistant Coach
- Bharat Arun - Bowling Coach
- R Sridhar - Fielding Coach
All have been signed on on a two-year contract, starting 18 July 2017 and lasting right to the end of the 2018 ICC World Cup.
The decision to appoint Arun on a two-year contract was taken after Shastri met the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and BCCI officials, including acting President CK Khanna and Secretary Amitabh Chaudhary at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday.
While he may have got his “core team” in place, Ravi Shastri was unable to clear the confusion about Zaheer Khan or Rahul Dravid. One thing was clear though; no contracts had been agreed upon, even one week later.
I’ve spoken to both, as recently as three to four days ago and they are two fantastic cricketers of India. Their inputs will be invaluable. They will be on board once they have spoken to the authorities concerned.Ravi Shastri
No clarity on the role they would be playing in the team either...
All depends on their availability, it depends on individuals, the number of days they want to give but their inputs will be invaluable and they are most welcome.Ravi Shastri
Shastri, though, did remember to thank the Cricket Advisory Committee – comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman – for picking him for the high-profile job.
"I would like to thank the CAC because it is a privilege and honour to be India's coach. And I would like to thank the CAC for considering me worthy enough for the job," he said.
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