BCCI contemplating selection of support staff through interviews

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating an interview system in place for the selection of the support staff of the National team at all levels. Last year, around the same time BCCI decided to appoint the National selectors and the Chief Coach through the process of application.

Through applications, it boiled down to two of the biggest names in Indian cricket- Ravi Shastri and Anil Kumble with the latter pipping the former with the confidence of the Indian team. Fast-forward a year, and the BCCI has now a decision to make regarding the coach for the Indian Men’s team. The coach, last year was picked through various steps, with one of them including a presentation where Kumble excelled.

Prior to the selection of the legendary leg-spinner, India had the method where the senior pros would recommend a name for the top job with Duncan Fletcher being the last coach to be selected via the recommendation in the year 2011 before being expelled from the position following a disastrous tour of England in 2015.

Interviews to be conducted for the coaches in various departments

According to Vijay Lokapally, the same process is set to be introduced for picking the best support staff and not to leave it to the fancy of the chief coach and the captain.

A senior Board official confirmed the process of having interviews to select the batting coach, bowling coach and the fielding coach for the India senior and junior teams. “The idea is to pick the best and give credence to the hard work that many former players put in when taking to coaching. We want to make everything professional,” said the official to Sportstar.

The move is solely based on performance, with the domestic coaches getting recognition for the performance in the circuit. These coaches can now apply, by clearing the various levels involved for the top job.

“Such decisions would not be left at the discretion of individuals. Once the Lodha Committee reforms come into place it would become mandatory to make all appointments through a proper process in all sections of the administration too,” the official emphasized.

It would now be exciting to see who forms the core of Team India, with the role of Team Director being one of the toughest jobs. The Team Director must excel in man management, with highly qualified assistants in various positions.