Reports: Tom Moody likely to replace Ravi Shastri as India’s head coach

In what can be called a sensational development, Tom Moody, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Director of Cricket, is eyeing to replace Ravi Shastri as Team India’s head coach following the conclusion of T20 World Cup 2021. In fact, sacking David Warner as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain was reportedly a part of Moody’s plan of getting the position at helm. For the unversed, Warner, who was SRH’s captain at the start of the season, was sacked midway after the team’s poor show in the first few matches.

Not only that, the dashing opener was even dropped from the playing XI as Kane Williamson took over the leadership role. It was indeed a shocking call from the team management as Warner is one of the most successful batters in IPL history. In fact, he only guided SRH to their maiden IPL title in 2016.

Hence, SRH’s decision set the cat amongst the pigeons. While Moody and SRH head coach Trevor Bayliss have repeatedly said the decision was taken to change the side’s fortunes, foxsports.com.au reported Moody sacked Warner in order to strengthen his chances of becoming India’s next head coach.

SRH owners are influential figures in the BCCI

“It’s believed the Sunrisers’ owners are influential figures in the BCCI, which could explain the decision to leave Warner out for their past half-a-dozen matches and turn to youth. Warner, too, has been approached by a number of other IPL franchises, who have been shocked by the run-scoring machine being sidelined,” read the report.

Notably, Warner got a couple of chances after the season resumption. However, scores of 0 and 2 meant the southpaw is sacked again. Furthermore, he couldn’t even travel with the team to the stadium as he was left out of the 18-person squad.

As per the Covid-19 protocols, an extended 18-person squad was brought to the match-day venues. Speaking on the matter, Bayliss had said the call was taken in order to young players a chance as SRH are out of the playoff race.

We can’t make the final so have made a decision that we want the young players to experience not just the matches but time at the ground, around the set-up, and for this match (against KKR), we made the decision. (Warner) was not the only experienced player we left back at the hotel,” Bayliss had said.