The race to become the next head coach of Indian cricket team could become interesting as multiple reports suggest that Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene could also apply for the post of head coach of the Indian cricket team. The 42-year-old is presently associated with Mumbai Indians and will have to leave his job if appointed as the head coach.
"As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited fresh applications for head coach and support staff of the cricket team, Indian media reported that some of the candidates who are likely to apply for the post include Mahela Jayawardena."https://t.co/yXsbZVJiUc
— Island Cricket (@IslandCricket) July 17, 2019
Jayawardene had started his coaching career in 2015 when he was appointed as the batting consultant of England cricket team. In 2016, he replaced Ricky Ponting as head coach of Mumbai Indians for the next season.
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Under him, Rohit Sharma-led franchise won the title in 2017 and 2019. They failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2018. He has had successful stint with Mumbai Indians as the team has won two out of three seasons that he has coached MI.
He looks set to coach the team in the next season as well but the things will be different if he is selected as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, if he applies for the job.
Officially, no former player has yet applied for the job. Although former Karnataka batsman and coach, J Arun Kumar has applied for the post of batting coach. He performed the same role with IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab in 2017.
Presently, the Indian coaching staff is headed by Ravi Shastri. Bharat Arun (bowling coach), Sanjay Bangar (Assistant coach) and R Sridhar (fielding coach) are other members of his staff. The present staff has been given an extension for 45 days and a decision over new staff will be taken before the home series against South Africa.
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It is no doubt that Shastri is likely to be re-appointed as head coach but changes can be made to his staff.
It remains to be seen if Virender Sehwag and Tom Moody apply for the job. Sehwag had thrown his hat in the ring in 2017 and was the heaviest to be appointed as head coach. Although Shastri won the race.
Coming to Moody, he has been applying for this post for years now, but has not been able to impress BCCI. Recently, Sunrisers Hyderabad parted ways with the veteran coach, roping in Trevor Bayliss in his place.