Ravi Shastri will be firmly in charge till the 2021 T20 World Cup to be hosted by India

Ravi Shastri will continue to be the head coach of India men’s team. Mike Hesson made a positive impression on the three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) during his presentation in person, informed Kapil Dev, who announced that Shastri was chosen by him and two committee members, Aunshuman Gaekwad and Shanta Rangaswamy, based on five parameters. “We did our own marking, did not consult each other,” said the 1983 World Cup-winning captain.

Shastri, now firmly in charge till the 2021 T20 World Cup to be hosted by India, appeared before the CAC via Skype from the West Indies. Kapil announced three names shortlisted based on parameters given — Tom Moody at number three, Hesson second and the Indian as first choice — for head coach position. The parameters for which marking was done were: coaching philosophy, coaching achievements, coaching experience, communication skill and knowledge of modern coaching tools.

Gaekwad, former India national coach and selector, explained the reasons for Shastri getting picked over the two contenders. “Ravi Shastri knows the boys, is very well-versed with the system and communicates well.”

Shanta Rangaswamy, former India women’s captain and coach, also stressed on the communication skills as the critical point. Kapil praised Hesson for coming across as “very intelligent”. The New Zealander guided his national team to the 2015 World Cup final, losing to Australia in the title clash.

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Curtain of confidentiality

West Indies’ Phil Simmons opted out from the original list of six. Robin Singh and Lalchand Rajput were the two others who made their presentation before the CAC. Asked to elaborate on the marks given (maximum 100), Kapil opted to hide behind the curtain of confidentiality, but said that there was little to separate the first three. Moody from Australia coached Sri Lanka in World Cup and has been an applicant for India head coach post from 2005.

Replying to a query about the process followed, Kapil said the time difference during Moody’s presentation (from Australia) and Shastri’s presentation (from West Indies where he is on a 45-day contract extension with the touring Indian team) led to delays.

“The meeting lasted six hours, the process was simple, we did own marking based on parameters.” The noted national women’s coach said: “The five (contenders for head coach post) gave their presentations, it was weighed against their coaching performance.”

Shastri guided India to semifinals at three major ICC competitions (2015 World Cup, 2016 T20 World Cup and 2019 World Cup). M.S. Dhoni was captain in 2015, Virat Kohli led Team India during the other two tournaments.