Mike Hesson congratulates Ravi Shastri on another stint as India’s coach

In a beautiful gesture, former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson congratulated Ravi Shastri after losing the race to become next India head coach. Hesson and Shastri were two of the six shortlisted candidates by Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for the coach interview. The other candidates were Tom Moody, Lalachand Rajput, Robin Singh, and Phil Simmons. Except for Simmons, all the other candidates were interviewed by the Kapil Dev-led CAC at the BCCI headquarters on Friday.

Kapil Dev, while addressing the press after the interviews, called it a “close race” and said Hesson and Moody were not far behind when the 3-member committee marked them based on their interviews. Moody and Hesson are proven customers and certainly have more experience than Shastri when it comes to the coaching job.

While Moody has more than 14 years experience, Hesson became the longest-serving New Zealand coach and took the Black Caps to their maiden World Cup final in 2015. In fact, Hesson had started coaching at an early age of 22. But then again Shastri’s re-appointment was always on the cards. Shastri’s track record as India coach has been very good.

Under Shastri’s guidance, India won a Test series in Australia this year. The Men in Blue also won the Nidahas Trophy, Asia Cup in addition to making it to the semifinal of the World Cup 2019. India have been at the top of ICC Test rankings since Shastri took over in 2017.

Hesson, nonetheless, has responded brilliantly after failing to secure the high-profile job. He took to Twitter to congratulate Shastri and wished him best for the future.

“Congratulations @RaviShastriOfc on your reappointed as @BCCI Head Coach. Wish you and the team the best for the coming seasons……,” tweeted Mike Hesson.

Congratulations @RaviShastriOfc on your reappointed as @BCCI Head Coach. Wish you and the team the best for the coming seasons……👍

— Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) August 16, 2019

Ravi Shastri responds:

Ravi Shastri was quick to respond to Hesson’s tweet, thanking the New Zealander and asking him to do well as a coach. “Thanks a ton, Mike. Much appreciated. Keep the coaching flag flying,” Shastri tweeted.

Thanks a ton, Mike. Much appreciated. Keep the coaching flag flying.

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 16, 2019

Shastri’s current tenure will end after the ongoing tour of West Indies. On the other hand, his new tenure will end at the end of the World T20 in 2021.