The Cricket Advisory Committee convened in Mumbai this afternoon to interview candidates for the India coach's job. Lalchand Rajput was the first to be interviewed via Skype followed by Virender Sehwag, Richard Pybus, Tom Moody and Ravi Shastri.

Shastri and Moody were really impressive while Sehwag was okay, according to sources. West Indian Phil Simmons was not called for the interview.

The new coach will face a tough task ahead with several overseas tour scheduled for India. It is also understood the coach would be appointed for a period of two years, leading up to the 2019 World Cup.

UPDATES FROM CRICKET CENTER:

- Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman arrived at the Cricket Center some time back. The start of the interview process got delayed because Ganguly took a 9.15 AM flight out to Mumbai. However, both men reached the venue. Virender Sehwag has also arrived. Lalchand Rajput will be the first to be interviewed via Skype.

- Rajput and Virender Sehwag have already been interviewed.

- Richard Pybus' interview is also done.

- Meanwhile, Sehwag left the venue without speaking to reporters waiting outside

- Tom Moody's interview is also over. According to sources, he was very impressive

- Ravi Shastri will be the last to be interviewed. Phil Simmons may not be called

- Shastri had also appeared for the interview last year but he was overlooked as the CAC chose Anil Kumble for the coaching role

- Shastri's interview over. He was, sources, said grilled but the former team director held on fine.

- It could come down to a face-off between Moody and Shastri now with an outside chance for Sehwag

- The CAC (Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman) are holding final discussions

- Minutes away from a press conference where BCCI will announce the next coach of the Indian team

- Want to hold on with announcement of new coach, says Sourav Ganguly. "Need to speak with Virat Kohli"

- We want to talk to Virat and tell him that the coaches want to function in a certain way and make sure that everyone is on the same page: Ganguly

- We are in no hurry and we are not looking only at Sri Lanka tour. The three of us and other respected persons will sit with Virat and decide about the future: Ganguly

- It's not us who are going to play but the players and coaches and we want to get everyone in sync. We don't want the same situation six months down the line:

BATTLE BETWEEN SHASTRI, SEHWAG AND MOODY

Shastri had applied after Anil Kumble's shock resignation following differences with skipper Virat Kohli. Sehwag and Moody were among the original five shortlisted candidates after the BCCI had issued an advertisement for the coveted post.

As team director from 2014 to 2016, Shastri had a good run as India won an ODI series against England, reached the semi-finals of the World Cup and World T20, won a T20I series in Australia and clinched the Asia Cup.

The players, especially Kohli, were also reported to be in favour of Shastri but it is now learnt they would not have a problem with Sehwag or Moody either.

The Committee of Administrators has left the onus clearly on CAC and there would be no interference from the board.

Sehwag is well-liked and respected by the team and is understood to have good backing from sections of the BCCI.

However, it could all come down to who Kohli wants as coach. In case he does put his foot down for Shastri, the CAC might have to pick him. Otherwise, there is little to choose between Shastri and Sehwag as of now.

Experience and credentials as coach may also matter little since Kumble showed what a sharp cricketing brain in the dressing-room could do. The former India captain had no prior coaching experience but took the team to the top of the ICC Test rankings and preceeded over series wins against West Indies, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia.