Make outside India
According to a CAB insider, Sourav Ganguly had an informal discussion with Board president Jagmohan Dalmiya in which he expressed interest in taking over from Duncan Fletcher.
Whoever becomes the new coach of the Indian cricket team, he would be given a clear brief – start winning abroad. India’s fighting spirit in the Test series in Australia and a seven-match winning streak in the World Cup might have created a feel-good atmosphere. But the BCCI, under its new dispensation, wants the team to start consistently winning the tougher tours abroad .
“We couldn’t beat Australia in a single game in four months and you’re saying the team is doing fine,” a top cricket board official said.
“We need a performance overhaul. Test cricket is hugely important. We would like to see what the new coach brings to the table in terms of improving our performance on the road. India rule world cricket and we can’t let the world mock us as poor travellers. We will take a decision in a fortnight,” he added.
There are a couple of options that are being considered.
The first is to continue with the existing set-up of a team director, with a relatively low-profile coach like Sanjay Bangar or Pravin Amre working under him. But if a high-profile coach is appointed, then the post of team director is likely to be done away with.
According to a Cricket Association of Bengal insider, Sourav Ganguly had an informal discussion with the Indian cricket board president Jagmohan Dalmiya, during which he expressed interest in taking over the reins from Duncan Fletcher, whose contract ended with the conclusion of the World Cup.
“Sourav’s achievements as a cricketer and his tactical acumen present a strong case. But he has to apply for the job. They had a discussion but Dalmiya didn’t give him any assurance,” he said.
Those who are keen on taking up the job will have to apply, make a presentation and then sit for an interview.
A panel of BCCI office bearers and former India captains are going to conduct the interviews. Sunil Gavaskar could play a key role here.
Gavaskar had provided some valuable inputs in appointing former India coaches like John Wright, Greg Chappell and Gary Kirsten. Also, when Chappell had resigned post the 2007 World Cup debacle, Ravi Shastri was given the temporary charge on his advice. Over the past few years, however, India’s greatest-ever Test batsman had been made a peripheral figure in Indian cricket’s scheme of things. But with Dalmiya returning to power, Gavaskar is going to be a very important man again. The two have an excellent working rapport. Dalmiya is tight-lipped over his future plans. “Wait for 10-odd days and you will get know,” he told The Indian Express.
But it is learnt that applications from overseas professionals will be accepted as well. dravid in the fray?
A section of the cricket board wants Rahul Dravid to throw his hat into the ring. “Dravid is a hugely respected figure and is doing a great job as Rajasthan Royals mentor/coach. We want someone to take this young team forward. Also, with Virat Kohli as captain, we need someone who can play second fiddle. With two strong personalities at the top, a personality clash might occur. Dravid would be a top candidate, but like Ganguly, he, too, has to apply for the job if he’s interested,” said a source.
During his first stint as BCCI president from 2001-2004, Dalmiya had made it imperative that India do well in Test matches away from. A cricketing renaissance ensued under Ganguly with India winning Test matches in England, West Indies and Australia. They became the joint-winners in the Champions Trophy and finished runners-up in the 2003 World Cup. Under Dravid also, India won Test series in England and West Indies.
Over the past four years, India, however, have lost 15 overseas Test matches. Dalmiya, in his second stint, wants to set the record straight. He wants consistency across formats.
Source:: Indian Express
