BCCI invites fresh applications for support staff, head coach
The BCCI invited fresh applications for Team India's support staff and head coach positions. It was reported that Ravi Shastri will need to reapply for the position if he intends to continue with his job. However, the current coaching staff will get an automatic entry in the recruitment process. Under Shastri, India reached the semis of the ICC World Cup 2019.
CoA had extended Shastri's tenure by 45 days
Shastri's contract was set to end after CWC 19. However, the CoA decided to extend the coaching staff's tenure by 45 days. This is why Shastri will continue till the Windies tour. India play three T20Is and ODIs, before taking part in a two-match Test series. The T20Is start from August 3 onwards with the first two games being played in the USA.
India will need to find new trainer and physio
Meanwhile, the support staff comprising of Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, batting coach Sanjay Bangar and fielding coach R Sridhar will all gain automatic entry. However, the team will need to find a new trainer and physio. This is due to the departure of Shankar Basu and Patrick Farhart following India's semi-final exit in the 2019 World Cup.
BCCI lists openings on its website
The BCCI has listed the following jobs on its website. Head coach, batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach and administrative manager. Meanwhile, while the search for new physio is still on, Sohum Desai will be replacing Basu for the upcoming tour of West Indies. After the WI tour, India's home season will start against South Africa.
What's the eligibility criteria?
According to the BCCI, the head coach should have coached a Test playing nation for a minimum of two years or three years with an associate member/A team/IPL side. The applicant should have also played 30 Tests or 50 ODIs, besides being less than 60 years of age. The other coaches need to have played at least 10 Tests or 25 ODIs.
A look at Shastri's tenure as India coach
Shastri was appointed as India's head coach in 2017. The appointment was made after tenure of Anil Kumble ended prematurely under controversial circumstances. Under Shastri, India won the historical Test series in Australia. Virat Kohli's men also won the ODI and T20I series in South Africa. India bagged the Asia Cup in UAE and Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka as well.
