Sanjay Manjrekar feels Virat Kohli’s opinion in selection of new coach is important

Ever since ex India head coach Anil Kumble put down his papers, citing untenable relations with captain Virat Kohli as the reason for the same, the Indian cricket circle is eager to know who can best fill in the shoes of India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests. After Kumble’s unceremonious exit, BCCI extended the application date for the vacant post until July 9, which is why former team India director Ravi Shastri applied for the post on June 27.

Since then, it is being speculated that Shastri is the clear favourite for the job since he not only has the confidence of Kohli but also of some of the BCCI officials. But this time round as well, he will not be present for a one-on-one interview with the CAC and at the best will be available to be interviewed via video conferencing from London.

Meanwhile, former India cricketer and current commentator Sanjay Manjrekar said that Virat Kohli should also have his say in the selection of a new coach. Presumably, the 51-year old said this because many the Indian skipper best knows what traits in a coach can make the captain-coach duo compatible.

However, not many would take Manjrekar’s comment in the right light since most people opine that the BCCI has centralised powers in the hands of Kohli.

This is what Manjrekar tweeted – “Considering the events so far, best to keep Virat in the loop while appointing India coach. That would be the sensible thing to do.”

Kumble’s expertise was of high level 

The Kohli-Kumble rift had disintegrated to such extent that when one came to in the nets, the other walked out. It was thus impossible for them to work together despite Team India yielding great results under Kumble. It will now be the responsibility of the CAC – VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar and the BCCI plus CoA to appoint a coach who can best fill in Kumble’s expertise. The coach shall be finalised before India’s tour to Sri Lanka.