Duncan Fletcher to stay at helm of Team India till 2015 ICC World Cup

Safe for now…

According to media reports, Duncan Fletcher seems to have gotten the backing of BCCI, at least till the 2015 World Cup, despite a string of poor performances from the team prior to the ongoing World T20.

The Zimbabwean was under fire after India’s mediocre performances in the tours of South Africa, New Zealand and Asia Cup and even the present BCCI interim president for IPL affairs, Sunil Gavaskar wanted him out after the poor show.

Though the cricket board has not made any announcement, NDTV has reported that Duncan Fletcher will continue as Team India coach till 2015 World Cup. The support staff of Joe Dawes(bowling coach) and Trevor Penney (fielding coach) are also reported to stay on.

Fletcher, who had been England’s first foreign coach was continuously criticised in the recent weeks. Sunil Gavaskar, the Supereme Court-appointed interim president of the BCCI’s Indian Premier League affairs, was the first of the many to criticise Fletcher. Gavaskar also pointed out to Dravid to be the best man to manage Team India but Dravid was quick to turn down the offer, citing lack of time.

Under Duncan Fletcher, India have lost their last four Test series away from home which include the tour of England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand and also their last three ODI series played against South Africa, New Zealand and the Asia Cup. Signs of recovery seems to have emerged after India’s tremendous form in the ongoing ICC World Twenty20.

BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said, “Let me set the record straight. Duncan Fletcher has the wholehearted backing and support of BCCI. There has been no discussion on his removal. We told him that we have a lot of faith in his coaching abilities and he should not be worried about anything else.”