Will India return to a foreign coach? The big question

Photo: BCCI

By GS Vivek

New Delhi: In early 2000 when two big stars of Indian cricket clashed inside the dressing room and the atmosphere was under question mark, Team India took an unknown path. 

After Skipper Sachin Tendulkar and coach Kapil Dev had serious issues within the dressing room, India decided to opt for a foreign coach, unable to find fault with any of the big stars. 

For years after the clash, BCCI went in with foreign coaches with varied results. Those included John Wright, Greg Chappell, Gary Kirsten, Duncan Fletcher and then returning to an Indian coach. 

Interestingly, Ganguly had a major fall out with coach Chappell during his tenure and the Australian was shown the door, but not before he had shaken the dynamics of Indian cricket and given India a new captain 

Previously all skippers who had issues with the coach immerged victorious and coach was shown the way out. 

This includes, Brian Lara-Clive Llyod, Wasim Akram-Javed Miandad, Shahid Afridi-Waqar Younis, Kevin Pietersen- Peter Moores to name a few.

Interestingly, both Sachin and Ganguly who led player rebellion are now in the CAC committee which is responsible of naming the new coach after the clash. However, both this time around sided with coach Kumble, naming him the best man for the job. 

So the big question is will India return to foreign coach to avoid personality clash within Indian icons? BCCI CEO Rahul Johri is keen on Tom Moody to become the next coach to avoid any mishaps. However, the think tank is keen on having Sehwag as the next coach but his remuneration could become a big hindrance.