Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman in contention for Team India’s chief coach

Ravi Shastri’s contract as Team India’s head coach will come to an end post the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The marquee event will be held in the UAE and Oman respectively. Shastri will be looking forward to winning his first ICC trophy as a coach. Team India never won a major title under his guidance.

The Men in Blue won the inaugural edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 in South Africa. Since then, they haven’t made a real case for themselves in the shortest format. However, they have a great chance to put an end to their 8-year trophy drought.

Now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is already looking for a potential replacement of Ravi Shastri as head coach. Earlier, India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour was in contention for the post. The report stated that Rathour was leading the race to be the next head coach of Team India.

Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman lead race for India’s head coach

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketers Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman are in contention for the next chief coach of Team India. According to the reports, the BCCI may mull over appointing big names like Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman for the head coach role.

Kumble served as the chief coach for one year in 2016-17 before he gave up after a fallout with the skipper Virat Kohli. Besides Kumble, the BCCI may also approach VVS Laxman, who has been the mentor of Sunrisers Hyderabad since the IPL 2013 season.

“Anil Kumble’s exit needs a course correction. The manner in which the CoA succumbed to the pressure of Kohli and removed him, wasn’t the best example set. However it also depends on whether Kumble or Laxman are ready to apply for the job,” a top BCCI source privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity, reported TOI.

The source stated that the likes of VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble perfectly fit the bill to become the next coach. Moreover, they have tremendous experience in coaching or mentorship. “The criteria for BCCI’s coach’s job will be such that only a select few with very good record as player as well as experience of coaching/mentorship can apply for the top job,” the source stated.

Meanwhile, the official echoed that Rathour doesn’t have the calibre as big in Indian cricket to become a Head coach. “He can apply if he wishes to but he doesn’t have the stature to become a head coach of the Indian cricket team,” the official said.

“He is at best an assistant coach. However, when we select the new coach, he will have a team all by himself. So let’s wait and watch,” the source concluded.