Not in a state of war with Sehwag or Shastri, says Lalchand Rajput

Lalchand Rajput will be a significant option available to the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) when they kick start the coach selection process on July 10^th. Rajput is a highly experienced candidate for the job as he has been the Indian coach previously. He was given the huge responsibility of taking in charge of the Indian team just before the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, and the man repaid them in style.

Rajput lifted the T20 World Cup in its very first edition as India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final. Apart from this, Rajput has immense experience in the coaching department and is currently in charge of the Afghanistan side.

What Rajput had to say:

“My main aim was to get the players out of that terrible period,” Lalchand Rajput told NDTV, remembering the time when he had to step in following Greg Chappell’s resignation after a dismal ICC Cricket World Cup Campaign in 2007.

“I was short of time. I had to adjust with the team as soon as possible. I just wanted to give them confidence. That was a major challenge for me,” Rajput added.

“The team was in turmoil and I wanted to unite them. They were talented and I knew they will perform well in the big tournament and they did so in style,” Rajput said.

Following Anil Kumble’s resignation, Lalchand Rajput has opted to apply for the job again and would like the CAC to select the most appropriate person for the job.

“Not just me, many former cricketers have applied for the post,” he says.

“The advisory committee is there to decide who the best is. I have done my job in the past and everyone knows about that. The 2007 series is the major example. Let’s the committee decide who the best person for the coach’s job is,” added Lalchand.

“My record says I have done well,” he added.

On the other contenders:

Apart from Rajput, there are some serious contenders available to the Indian Cricket Board. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag and active commentator Ravi Shastri will be Rajput’s biggest challenges while Tom Moody, Dodda Ganesh and Richard Pybus are also in contention. But the 55-year-old has made it clear that he is not in a state of war with Sehwag or Shastri.

“I don’t see any competition from Shastri or Sehwag or any others who have applied for the job. Let the best one win,” he said.

“I know we all are in competition, but I don’t see myself competing with the other applicants. I have my own identity and they have theirs.

“When I was given the responsibility in 2007, I think I did my best. The result is in front of us. Let’s CAC decide the best one. If I am the one, I will get it, if someone else deserves, let him take up the job. All we want to see Indian team winning,” added Rajput.

When asked about the type of coach that would be perfect for Team India, Rajput stated “I am one of the applicants for the coach’s job. It is must be in the committee’s and captain’s minds as to what kind of coach they need at this point of time. Let them decide from among us.”