The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may have a significant plan to tweak the coaching structure of the men’s national team next after the recently concluded white-ball series against England.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may soon have a major overhaul in the coaching setup of the men’s national team after the ongoing white-ball series against England. The board is said to be considering what to do with the support staff members after reviewing the performance of the team.
The talks occur as India’s poor performance in the shortest format sparked more doubts on the coaching staff. Bowling coach Morne Morkel and his assistant Ryan ten Doeschate are both mulling over their future in the job following the England tour, according to reports.
No decision is yet taken, but BCCI is in talks with both the coaches to retain them. But the board is also working on other plans, in case either side calls it quits after the ODI series is over later this month.
BCCI is getting ready for a backup plan in case coaches walk out the door.BCCI is readying a backup plan in case of coach walking out.
In case of any vacancies, the BCCI is expected to tap its own coaching system instead of going on the hunt for players overseas. It is thought that the board’s so-called Centre of Excellence (CoE) is the biggest source of prospective replacements.
Former India fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji is poised to be one of the top contenders if Morkel decides to step down, it has been reported, as he has been appointed fast-bowling coach at the Centre of Excellence.
Meanwhile, Fielding coach T Dilip is said to be in the crosshairs too. India’s performances in the field have been questioned in recent months and the board is said to be looking into all the aspects of its support staff.
The uncertainty has also highlighted head coach Gautam Gambhir, whose coaching staff has been put together by him to a large extent. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar had just left the setup earlier this year and additional changes would necessitate another changeover within the Indian set-up.
It’s not clear if Gambhir will play a major role in coaching hires. In the event of any change, the BCCI will be able to replace the head coach even by its own selection and not by the head coach.
The review comes with India’s poor white-ball performance, which saw the team lose series to both Ireland and England. With key international matches and ICC tournament games to come, the board is set to complete its coaching plans in the coming weeks, which will focus on enhancing the team’s support system and on-field performances.
