Head coach Ravi Shastri is unlikely to renew his current contract with the Indian team when it ends later this year. In August 2019, the BCCI renewed the contracts of Shastri and some of the coaching staff. The T20 World Cup which will run until 14 November will mark the end of their contracts.
Second Stint Given to Shastri in 2014
The BCCI has reportedly been informed by Shastri that he will not seek to renew his contract as head coach of the Indian team when his contract ends. During the tour of England in 2014, the BCCI gave a second stint to Shastri, who during his playing days established himself among the best all-rounders to have represented India. He was appointed Director of Cricket and oversaw India’s title-winning exploits at the ODI World Cup in 2015, alongside Duncan Fletcher. After Fletcher exited, Shastri remained as Director of Cricket with the Indian team until the 2016 T20 World Cup, a tournament in which West Indies beat India at the last-four stage.
Shastri Lost out to Anil Kumble in 2016
Considered a favourite for the post of head coach in 2016, Shastri lost out to Anil Kumble who was instead appointed by the BCCI. Later that same year, Shastri took over from Kumble, for his first-ever stint as head coach of the Indian team. Tom Moody and Mike Hesson were other contenders for the job who lost out to Ravi Shastri. BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee, headed by Kapil Dev, renewed Shastri’s contract in 2019.
Indian Team’s Achievements on Shastri’s Watch
On Shastri’s watch, team India crushed Sri Lanka in 2017 and reached the semifinal of the ODI World Cup in 2019 as well as the final of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021. Under Shastri, India became the first team from Asia to beard the Australian lion in its own den, repeating the feat in 2020/21. India extended their run as the world’s top-ranked Test side. Shastri was assisted by fielding coach R Sridhar and bowling coach Bharat Arun, both of whom were appointed in 2014. Batting coach Vikram Rathour joined Shastri’s coaching staff in 2019.
FutuFuture Plans Not Clear
ong>It is not clear what Shastri plans to do after he gives up his current assignment. Among his choices are a coaching assignment with an IPL team, or a stint as a commentator, a role he has performed in the past. His support staff are reportedly in communication with IPL franchises. While Arun was once with the support staff of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sridhar has worked with Punjab Kings.
