Offered Ravi Shastri Indian team’s batting coach post: Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, the Cricket Advisory Committee member, who played a part in picking the head coach of the Indian cricket team, confirmed that Ravi Shastri was offered the role of India’s batting coach.

“Yes, we offered Ravi the Indian team’s batting coach post,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by Mid-Day on Friday (July 8).

The pair was subsequently involved in a battle of words after a fuming Shastri was openly critical of a ‘disrespectful’ Ganguly, who missed his interview after opting to attend a meeting concerning the Cricket Association of Bengal over the former India team director’s presentation.

Ganguly retorted saying that Shastri should have been present in person and not have been holidaying in Bangkok when the interview was taking place, also adding that he had intimated his fellow committee members and candidates of his absence well in advance.

After clarifying offering Shastri the role, the former India captain also confirmed that the CAC, that comprised of Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, will have no bearing on Kumble’s decision of choosing India’s assistant coaches, with speculation rife about Zaheer Khan being the likely candidate to fill in that slot.

“It is Anil’s prerogative. Since he is a bowler, maybe, he did not appoint a bowling coach. I also have read in the newspapers that he may rope in pace bowling coach later. Let me stress that Sachin and Laxman have no role in appointing Anil’s assistant coaches,” he said.

“I have no knowledge about this (Zaheer Khan being a likely candidate). BCCI will have to see whether Zaheer is available for 365 days or not,” Ganguly said.

 

SOURCE: PTI