Race between Ravi Shastri and Foreign Coach for Indian Head Coach

Ravi Shastri is miles ahead in the race for the coveted post of Head Coach for the Indian Cricket Team due to his rapport with the players and successful stints previously as the Team Director of the side. Apart from that, he has received strong backing from the most influential force in Indian Cricket as of now by the name of Virat Kohli. The race essentially is now between Shastri and the Foreign contingent of applicants for the position.

Tom Moody, Phil Simmons, and Richard Pybus lock horns for the sought after position with the BCCI. Here we look at the various factors which might go in favour or oppose them in the coming days. There are other worthy contenders with proven track record from around the world and the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, will have to give them a serious audience on July 10

Tom Moody

When we look at Tom Moody, the lanky Australian is currently the most qualified for the position based on his experience with the Sri Lankan team and Sunrisers Hyderabad. “He has immense knowledge about the game, acquired from a long international career. Besides, he’s a fine motivator and gives the players their space” commented Tillakeratne Dilshan who was a part of the Sri Lankan dressing room when Tom Moody was in charge in their successful campaign in West Indies in the World Cup of 2007.

According to the officials, he has the biggest challenge for the likes of Ravi Shastri and Virender Sehwag. “Moody has a proven track record as a coach. He is more of a behind-the-curtain man too and knows the Indian players up close through his IPL stint. He has the perfect CV and this could be a close showdown between him, Shastri and Sehwag” describes Moody according to the official statement from oneindia.com.

Phil Simmons

Next in line is the former coach of West Indies, Zimbabwe, and Ireland, Phil Simmons, who orchestrated West Indies’ win in the T20 World Cup. He had the longest stint with Ireland where he spent as many as eight years with the team. “Simmons has a fine way with young players as he can motivate them to reach bigger heights. It was the hallmark of his coaching stint with Ireland and under him so many players came up and Ireland became a cricketing force” commented Kevin O’Brien on Phil Simmons.

However, the only major drawback he may have is the bitter ends to his stints in Zimbabwe and West Indies. “No doubt, Simmons had impressive results with Ireland and the West Indies. But the CAC may consider the fact that some of his stints had an undesired end. And we need a settled combination (team+coach) ahead of the World Cup, less than two years away” stated his official review.

Richard Pybus

The last name amongst the contenders is the South African Richard Pybus. Pybus was the former coach of Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The Protean also holds impressive records in domestic circuit coaching Middlsex, Titans, and Cape Cobras. “Pybus was a fine character and kept the team in good spirit during that tournament. He worked well around big names like Wasim, Waqar, Inzamam and Saeed Anwar. He’s a good man manager.” commented former Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman Moin Khan.

The only demerit for Pybus would be the rust factor as he has not coached any international team for a while. “He is an eligible candidate. But he has not coached an international team for a while and as we heard he is also interested in coaching South Africa after their current coach (Russel Domingo) moves on after the England series. So, CAC has to think of all these aspects.” explained Pybus in the official statement.