BCCI to approach Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman for head coach role?

Ravi Shastri's tenure as India head coach is ending, while he has reportedly refused an extension. Meanwhile, BCCI is looking for his replacement, as it could approach Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman for the same.

India head coach Ravi Shastri's tenure with the side is coming to an end after the 2021 ICC World T20, starting next month. Meanwhile, he has reportedly refused an extension for a third term and would be bringing his eventful and successful run since 2017 to an end.

In the meantime, the Board of Control for Cricket in India would be inviting applications for the post. Also, as per a PTI report, BCCI is looking to approach former head coach Anil Kumble to re-apply for the role.

Kumble happened to be the coach of the Indian senior side between 2016-17 after being appointed by Cricket Advisory Committee, which was then headed by Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly. However, skipper Virat Kohli had a fallout with Kumble over coaching tactics, leading to the latter stepping down after India lost the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final against Pakistan.

Also, BCCI is looking to approach Laxman for the same role. Although Laxman has not done a full-time coaching role in his career, he has been mentoring Sunrisers Hyderabad for quite a few years.

Kumble will be a favourite to take over the reins from Shastri if he applies for the role. However, it would be interesting to see if he applies for the position, as things might still be ripe following the controversial manner he had stepped down.

Notably, Kohli might be stepping down from the Twenty20 International captaincy duties post WT20. However, he would continue to lead the side in the One-Day Internationals and Tests, which could lead to Kumble being reluctant to apply for the role.

Usually, a reputed coach like Kumble would be given the first preference by the top brass of the BCCI. However, if he or Laxman decide against applying for the position, the board could be compelled to move to a foreign coach.

When a senior BCCI source was asked if batting coach Vikram Rathour could take up the role, he said he was open to applying. However, he also clarified that Rathour does not have the stature to become the head coach and, at best, could fit in as the assistant coach.

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