Anshuman Gaekwad reveals the factor behind Ravi Shastri’s reappointment as Team India head coach in 2019

Ravi Shastri‘s tenure as Team India head coach has certainly been pretty impressive so far. Under him, the national side did well across formats and registered one emphatic win after another. In fact, India won as many as two Test series win on Australian soil. While Virat Kohli’s men thrived in bilateral series under Shastri’s guidance, they couldn’t get the glory in ICC events.

India did clear the group stages of the 2019 World Cup and the inaugural World Test Championship. However, their knack of failing in knock-out games cost them both titles. Notably, Shastri’s first term as the national team coach started in 2017 and ended with India’s exit from the 2019 World Cup. While many expected a new candidate to take the position at the helm, the former Indian all-rounder’s contract was renewed.

The major decision was taken by a three-man Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad, and Shantha Rangaswamy. Notably, many potent candidates like Mike Hesson and Tom Moody threw their hat to become Shastri’s successor. However, the trio was convinced no one is more qualified to take charge of the Indian team than the former India all-rounder.

Speaking of Shastri’s reappointment, Anshuman Gaekwad revealed the factor which worked in the southpaw’s factor. He asserted that Shastri remained associated with the game in different roles after retirement. The 1983 World Cup winner was a commentator and also served as Team India’s director and manager before becoming the head coach.

Ravi Shastri was in touch with cricket by virtue of being a commentator: Anshuman Gaekwad

“See, Ravi had an advantage among the others who were in the fray for the coaching job. Myself, Kapil Dev and Shantha… we did the selection. He was in touch with cricket by virtue of being a commentator. He had seen cricket and not only of one country but world cricket from a very close quarter,” Anshuman Gaekwad said in a conversation with Hindustan Times.

“He knew exactly how things go about – winning or losing. He knew how matches and situations turn around. What one does to do it? He was in touch and knew the Indian players well and players knew him well. What else do you want?” Gaikwad added.

Meanwhile, Shastri’s current contract will end with the conclusion of the T20 World Cup later this year. Hence, it would be interesting to see if his term gets renewed again. Many believe that Rahul Dravid, who’s India’s interim head coach for Sri Lanka tour, might be handed over the reins after the global event.

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