Reports: Ravi Shastri and support staff may part ways with Team India

The Indian cricket team’s coaching and support staff are most likely to undergo a massive revamp after the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach R Sridhar and batting coach Vikram Rathour are likely to part ways with the national team post the tournament in October-November.

As per reports, Shastri doesn’t wish to renew his contract after the mega event in the UAE. The other support staff are also said to have initiated talks with Indian Premier League franchises. Shastri joined the team as a director back in 2014 after which he became the full-time coach in 2017.

BCCI wants a new coaching panel for Team India

He came to the fore after Anil Kumble resigned as the coach following an alleged controversy with skipper Virat Kohli. Back in 2019, Shastri was re-appointed as the coach of Team India. But going by reports, it’s likely for the national team to get a new coach later this year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is also looking for a new group, the Indian Express reported.

Rahul Dravid is being speculated to be one of the frontrunners to take over as the head coach if he wishes to apply. Dravid was in charge of the Indian team that played three ODIs and as many T20Is in Sri Lanka last month. While the veteran enjoyed working as a head coach, he understood the challenges involved in full-time roles.

“I have enjoyed the experience of working with these guys, it has been great. I have not given any other thoughts to anything else. There are a lot of challenges in doing full-time roles, so I really don’t know,” Dravid was quoted as saying.

Under Dravid’s tutelage, India won the ODI series 2-1 but lost the T20I series 1-2. In the 20-over format, they didn’t have quite a few of their players after Krunal Pandya was tested positive for COVID-19.

Dravid has earned loads of accolades over the years for grooming young talents in the country. Shastri, in the meantime, is with Virat Kohli and Co. who are set to play the second Test against England, starting August 12 at the Lord’s.