India’s fighting show in Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia and the World Cup 2015 might have created a feel-good atmosphere but the BCCI has made it clear that from now on, winning abroad would be the utmost priority and whoever becomes the new coach would be given the clear benchmark – start winning abroad.
A top BCCI official said:
“We couldn’t beat Australia in a single game in four months and you’re saying the team is doing fine.
“We need a performance overhaul. Test cricket is hugely important. We would like to see what the new coach brings to the table in terms of improving our performance on the road. India rule world cricket and we can’t let the world mock us as poor travellers. We will take a decision in a fortnight.”
There are a couple of things that would be considered.
The first would be to continue with the current set-up of a team director, with Sanjay Bangar or Bharat Arun working under him. But if a high-profile coach is appointed, then the post of the team director is likely to be done away with.
A panel of BCCI office bearers would conduct the interviews and former skipper Sunil Gavaskar, who shares a good rapport with new BCCI chief Jagmohan Dalmiya, could play a key role here. Gavaskar had also provided valuable inputs in appointing former India coaches like John Wright and Gary Kirsten.
It has also been learnt that some people of the board want Rahul Dravid to put up his name for the job.
“Dravid is a hugely respected figure and is doing a great job as Rajasthan Royals mentor/coach. We want someone to take this young team forward. Also, with Virat Kohli as captain, we need someone who can play second fiddle,” the source added.
On the other hand, Ganguly gave an interview to English news channel and denied any meeting with Dalmiya over job of natonal team coach.
But when pushed he did say: “Dravid and I fit to be coach.“