The former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene in line to apply for the post of Head Coach of Indian cricket team, a report suggests.
If he applies for it, then Jayawardene will be one of the strongest contenders for the job, keeping in mind his recent success with the Mumbai Indians side who under him, lifted the IPL trophy for the record time by defeating Rising Pune Supergiant in the final by a margin of just one run.
Jayawardene was announced as a replacement for Ricky Ponting last year and had a great responsibility on his shoulders to replicate the success which Ponting has had with the team and in the very first season, the former Sri Lankan skipper tutored his boys to their third IPL victory.
Jayawardene is expected to apply for the post very soon, as the BCCI has already extended the deadline to apply for the post until July 9 and not just him, many other former players are expected to send their resume to BCCI office due to the fact that Anil Kumble has already stepped down from the post and race to the Head Coach of Indian cricket team is open for all.
Talking of Jayawardene’s experience, he has earlier worked as batting consultant with England team as well in the year 2015. Along with that, he has also coached Mumbai Indians. Recently, he was named coach of Bangladesh Premier League franchise Khulna Titans but in case if he is selected for the post by BCCI, then he has to give up that role and along with that, has to quit his role in Mumbai Indians as well.
Jayawardene will give a direct competition to Virender Sehwag and Tom Moody, both of whom are the strongest contender for the post. Earlier, Sehwag was deemed to be the favourite for the post but with BCCI now extending the last date to apply for the job, it is sure that the apex cricket board hasn’t yet inked upon anyone and the gates are open for all.
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of BCCI is expected to announce the new Head Coach of the side in the month of July. The new coach will travel with the team to Sri Lanka for a full-fledged series which will last for more than a month.