Did Sourav Ganguly want to cut down Shastri’s powers as a coach?

Ravi Shastri was appointed as the head coach of the Indian Team yesterday, much to the delight of the Indian fans. Shastri’s appointment didn’t come as a surprise as the Indian team shares a great bond with the former all-rounder and regard him as an elder brother. Kohli had backed Shastri to become the head coach following Kumble’s ugly exit last month.

The CAC – Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman – conducted the interviews of 5 candidates on Monday. According to sources, Ganguly wasn’t keen on Shastri’s appointment. Both former cricketers had an altercation last year when Ganguly didn’t attend the interview of Shastri. It is learned that Sachin wanted Shastri at the helm because he was regarded by the team. Ganguly finally gave in but the CAC decided to appoint the services of Zaheer Khan as the bowling coach and Rahul Dravid as a batting consultant for overseas tours.

Such a move will result in contraction of power as far as Shastri is concerned. Zaheer and Dravid, both greats of India, will go about their business very professionally while Shastri’s role will be reduced and will be very much similar to a team director’s one.

Different choices

It was also learnt that Shastri wanted Bharat Arun as the bowling coach but Ganguly was hell bent on Zaheer, who has no formal coaching experience.

“Sourav was brought around and convinced about Ravi after it was agreed that Zaheer would be made the bowling coach. Zaheer is such a name that no one could have possibly objected to due to his repertoire of knowledge and a fantastic relation with the current crop,” a BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

After a bit of confusion yesterday, the BCCI finally announced the name of the head coach late evening on Tuesday. Acting president CK Khanna announced the news to PTI.

“On Cricket Advisory Committee’s recommendation, we have decided to appoint Ravi Shastri as the chief coach while Zaheer Khan will be appointed bowling coach for a period of two years till 2019,” said CK Khanna to PTI.

“Rahul Dravid will also help the senior team as a batting consultant on overseas tours — specifically to countries like South Africa, England and Australia,” Khanna added.

The cricket fans just wish all the nominees all the best and hope that everyone works in harmony for the betterment of Indian cricket. The first challenge that lies ahead is the tour of Sri Lanka though it is still not confirmed that the newly elected candidates will depart with the team to the Island.