Sachin Tendulkar backs Ravi Shastri to become the Indian head coach for the second time

Former Indian international Ravi Shastri made it public that the 55-year-old will try his luck on grabbing the role of the Indian head coach for the second time. Responding to BCCI‘s decision of inviting the second round of applications, Shastri decided to hand in his CV.

Ravi Shastri had a glorious one year tenure as the Indian head coach in his first spell but was not given an extension by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). Anil Kumble was handed over the job of grooming the team for the next one year and the legendary leg spinner did it successfully. Despite bringing trophies to the country Kumble suffered a similar fate as Shastri and was forced to step down as head coach after the completion of his one-year contract.

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According to reports Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar had opted for Shastri’s contract extension after the latter’s first stint, but Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman stood against the decision. It is believed that this time too, it is only Sachin Tendulkar who prompted the active broadcaster to shoot his application after Kumble’s resignation.

There is no doubt over the fact that Ravi Shastri’s relation with Virat Kohli has been very smooth, a department in which Kumble failed as a coach. The board had previously announced that Kohli will have a role to play in the selection as it would be a costly risk to choose anyone against the wish of the captain. Doing so can lead to eruptions in the dressing room.

Though this factor might just work in favour of Ravi Shastri, Virender Sehwag remains a very strong contender for the role. Sehwag’s aggressive approach towards the game is a plus point and is similar to that of Kumble’s who tasted success during his time as the coach. Tom Moody, Lalchand Rajput, Richard Pybus are some of the other names that are up for selection.