The Story:
Virat Kohli-Anil Kumble controversy has put India cricket administrators in a jiffy to the damage control. The search for the new coach has intensified and the Cricket Advisory Committee, who are entrusted with the job to find the next coach, is having a tough time dealing with the media. Former skipper Ganguly, who leads the committee which features Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, has been the centre of attention, especially and has made the all the public statements so far.
In another interview today, he presented his views about the ‘ideal coach.’
Who is an ideal coach for Ganguly?
Sourav Ganguly isn’t someone who minces his words. He loves to be frank and straightforward and sometimes outspoken. This nature had him in trouble during the infamous Greg Chappell era. The Ganguly – Chappell controversy was one of the worst in Indian cricket’s history.
Now, after close to 10 years later, Indian Cricket Team is again facing a similar problem in the form of Kohli – Kumble saga. Although Kumble’s resignation is not anywhere close to the kind of controversy which surrounded Chappell, it has certainly made everyone think about the ‘ideal qualities’ a coach should have to have a successful tenure with Team India.
“I think cricket is a captain’s game. The coach should be someone who can help and get the team going. An impressive presentation does not make you a good coach. Various things are needed to make a good coach — like man-management skill, situation-understanding skill.
“Maybe someone will be better skill-wise but will lack at man-management. You just have to move on.” He said the Kohli-Kumble story was “past and should be left behind”.
“We will do whatever we think is good for the Indian cricket. We did the same in appointing Kumble as well. He also gave us results.” Ganguly, who along with Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman from the three-member CAC, said.
Sehwag’s CV Was Not A Two-liner
Ganguly also clarified that Virender Sehwag’s CV for the role of head coach wasn’t a two-line application as reported in the media.
“I’ve seen Sehwag’s CV and it’s not a two-liner one. He has a complete CV. But can you become the India coach by sending a CV?” he asked.
“Coach is made on the ground. And he is Sehwag, a known personality. Everyone knows him and his cricketing skills.
He’s not someone who has come from Midnapore district of West Bengal,” he quipped.
Best Candidates Will Be Chosen
Sehwag is one of the high profile names who have applied for the role of the Kumble’s replacement. Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody, Afghanistan coach Lalchand Rajput and Richard Pybus are other names who are in the fray.
However, BCCI seemed unhappy with the applicants and invited fresh applicant which saw former Team Director Ravi Shastri enter the race and make himself the favourite.
“So I don’t think it’s an issue. We will sit, talk and finalise. Difficult to take a name at the moment.” The top names for the coach’s position include Ravi Shastri, Sehwag, Tom Moody, Richard Pybus, Lalchand Rajput, Dodda Ganesh.
“Whoever is good will get the job, be it Shastri, Sehwag or someone else. We will take an opinion and decide.”