Sports
'Hesson almost beat Shastri to India coach job'
New Delhi, Aug 22
Moments after Ravi Shastri was re-appointed as the head coach of the Indian team till 2021, Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) chief Kapil Dev had said 'as all of you were expecting' Shastri is the number one candidate for the job. But it has now come to the fore that Kiwi Mike Hesson had almost toppled Shastri.
Speaking to IANS, a senior Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) functionary said that it was a close call between Shastri and Hesson and New Zealand's track record under the Kiwi from 2012 till 2018 had almost sealed the deal for the former Kings XI Punjab coach.
"It was not a walk in the park for Shastri as some of you seem to believe. Hesson was really close to getting the go-ahead. It is there for all to see how the New Zealand team improved by leaps and bounds under him across all formats.
"From being the perennial surprise package in big-ticket events, they had become a champion side under him and that is something that really impressed the CAC.
"Under his coaching, the Kiwis reached their first-ever World Cup final in 2015. While he did resign in 2018, the Kiwis playing their second final on the trot in 2019 also had a lot to do with what Hesson brought to the table. His strategizing with the senior members in the team can't be discounted," the functionary explained.
Asked what then turned the table back in Shastri's favour, considering that the CAC made it clear that skipper Virat Kohli wasn't consulted before taking the call, the functionary said it was Shastri's experience as a player on the international stage.
"The CAC felt that Shastri's proven record as a player was one area that needed to be give due recognition as one's own stature might become an area of concern when handling a team which has big names.
"Hesson hadn't played enough cricket himself and as we know started coaching in his early twenties. Shastri on the other hand played 80 Test matches and 150 ODIs. That is something that went against the Kiwi," the functionary said.
However the functionary refused to divulge if the experience of having M.S.K. Prasad as the chief selector and his inability to stand tall and take decisions was used as point of reference by the CAC when making the call. "That only then can tell you," the functionary said.
Interestingly, the national selectors led by Prasad are expected to announce the names of the support staff on Thursday. The CAC had expressed its desire to be a part of this as well, but the BCCI constitution doesn't allow it.
While Bharat Arun is expected to retain his position as bowling coach, Sanjay Bangar's position is under the scanner as batting coach. Vikram Rathour is considered favourite to take the position, but he will face stiff competition from Praveen Amre. In the fielding department, R. Sridhar is almost certain to be retained unless the selectors look to rope in someone like Jonty Rhodes.
Speaking to IANS, a senior Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) functionary said that it was a close call between Shastri and Hesson and New Zealand's track record under the Kiwi from 2012 till 2018 had almost sealed the deal for the former Kings XI Punjab coach.
"It was not a walk in the park for Shastri as some of you seem to believe. Hesson was really close to getting the go-ahead. It is there for all to see how the New Zealand team improved by leaps and bounds under him across all formats.
"From being the perennial surprise package in big-ticket events, they had become a champion side under him and that is something that really impressed the CAC.
"Under his coaching, the Kiwis reached their first-ever World Cup final in 2015. While he did resign in 2018, the Kiwis playing their second final on the trot in 2019 also had a lot to do with what Hesson brought to the table. His strategizing with the senior members in the team can't be discounted," the functionary explained.
Asked what then turned the table back in Shastri's favour, considering that the CAC made it clear that skipper Virat Kohli wasn't consulted before taking the call, the functionary said it was Shastri's experience as a player on the international stage.
"The CAC felt that Shastri's proven record as a player was one area that needed to be give due recognition as one's own stature might become an area of concern when handling a team which has big names.
"Hesson hadn't played enough cricket himself and as we know started coaching in his early twenties. Shastri on the other hand played 80 Test matches and 150 ODIs. That is something that went against the Kiwi," the functionary said.
However the functionary refused to divulge if the experience of having M.S.K. Prasad as the chief selector and his inability to stand tall and take decisions was used as point of reference by the CAC when making the call. "That only then can tell you," the functionary said.
Interestingly, the national selectors led by Prasad are expected to announce the names of the support staff on Thursday. The CAC had expressed its desire to be a part of this as well, but the BCCI constitution doesn't allow it.
While Bharat Arun is expected to retain his position as bowling coach, Sanjay Bangar's position is under the scanner as batting coach. Vikram Rathour is considered favourite to take the position, but he will face stiff competition from Praveen Amre. In the fielding department, R. Sridhar is almost certain to be retained unless the selectors look to rope in someone like Jonty Rhodes.
10 hours ago
The BioInnovation Institute and Science presented the Innovation Prize to Indian American Aditya Kunjapur
10 hours ago
Pennsylvania Republican primary results show Haley with over 150,000 votes.
10 hours ago
Mandates airline refunds and fee transparency introduced by Biden
10 hours ago
Initiative to tackle newborn malnutrition in rural India promoted by the Indian Consulate in NY
11 hours ago
In Los Angeles, a high-ranking US diplomat convenes with the Jain community
11 hours ago
The Peabody Award has nominated two Indian documentaries as finalists.
just now
12 hours ago
Indian rupee to appreciate to Rs 82–82.50 in FY25: CARE Ratings
12 hours ago
Reservation given earlier to Muslim community continued in K’taka: CM Siddaramaiah
12 hours ago
Congress, SP playing divisive politics, says PM Modi in Agra
12 hours ago
Nestle India’s net profit up 27 pc in Q4; to form a JV with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
12 hours ago
BMW's another all-electric car launched in India
12 hours ago
Cong candidate in Kerala suspects foul play as list of poll officials leaked, one suspended