Five potential coaches to replace Duncan Fletcher

Fletcher – in deep sombre

Duncan Fletcher. Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja might call him an off-field companion or perhaps, a competitor. Ajinkya Rahane and Manoj Tiwary might name him a pavilion-mate. Ask the regulars on the field, they might seldom remember him. Such has been the influence of this man on the players that he, in every right, deserves to be kicked out as soon as possible.

With MS Dhoni and N.Srinivasan remaining the ‘big bosses’ of Indian cricket, Duncan Fletcher has been a mere puppet, reminding us much of the Indian political scenario. Yes, in Indian cricket, coaches have never commanded the proceedings, with the captains holding prime roles, but Fletcher seems to have generated absolutely zero influence on the players. The Zimbabwean does not even get near the laurels gathered by John Wright and Gary Kirsten in taking Indian cricket to new dimensions. Greg Chappell was at least among controversies due to a few stupid decisions. But Fletcher has simply refused to budge out of his arm chair and sun glasses.

There have been cries all around for the head of the Indian coach after India’s dismal performance over the last 18 months (ODIs in the subcontinent are exceptions). There have been voices over the mic demanding an Indian coach to fill the role or more specifically Sourav Ganguly to take over the reins, but practically, Dada as a coach, at least with the current set-up, will certainly do no good to the Indian camp. Yes, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble are very much capable people, but there might be ego issues for them to work with the current bunch of players.

With that, I put forward five potential people to take up the challenging role of coaching the glory-seeking Indian cricket team.

1. John Buchanan

Buchanan with Gilly after the 2007 WC triumph

If Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting were the protagonists of the Australian domination in the late 90’s and 2000’s, John Buchanan was the chief architect. A Queensland cricketer who loved to warm benches during his playing days, had an astonishing cricketing brain, that was evident from the days he took over the reins of Queensland and when he was given the charge of the Kangaroos, it became history. He is known for his analytical and distinctive approach to the game as a coach and he could bring in changes to Indian cricket from its root, making some hard decisions and guiding the Indian cricketers in their outright quest for glory.

2. Kepler Wessels

A file photo of Kepler Wessels

No other cricketer in history could have been under more pressure than Wessels to captain a cricketing side. After playing 24 tests for Australia, he became the first captain to lead the South African side in the post-Apartheid era, bringing the much needed inspiration for the Proteas to establish themselves on the international level. And the situation of Indian cricket has been more or less the same, as they are striving to establish themselves in the ‘post-Fab 4’ era (Sachin’s end is not very far). Wessels, with the added experience of coaching the CSK side in the 2008 edition might jusk work wonders along with MS Dhoni.

3. Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev with the Little Master

Kapil Dev’s has been the only independent Indian voice that has echoed for the upliftment of Indian cricket with some astute cricketing sense. Unlike the other Indian voices that have changed their views more frequently than a chameleon, Kapil Dev has often spoken from his heart, making him the only Indian candidate for the post. Like his career, his decisions have never been perturbed by external factors and he could imbibe a whole new approach to the game. The former India captain, in the past, has cornered India to glory from all-time lows and if given a chance, he could bring back India’s erstwhile glory.

4. Shane Warne

Shane Warne might just be the solution

Arguably, the best spinner to have played the game, his coaching/captaining stints with domestic teams all around the world post-retirement, has confounded him to some deserving applause. He knows tactics to spot talents from the second-most populous nation in the world, like he did for Rajasthan Royals, and would be able to lend a helping hand to the misfiring young Indian brigade. India’s ‘Save the spinners’ campaign might get profited if Shane Warne is brought in to train the side. Having played in an Australian side that had eleven potential match-winners at its helm, his knowledge and experience could be more than handful for the Indian camp.

5. Tom Moody

Moody during a BBL game

After leading Sri Lanka to the jaws of a World Cup victory in 2007 in the Caribbean islands, Tom Moody could definitely have his collars raised as a coach. He ticks almost all the boxes to coach the Indian team, with the experience of coaching an Asian team along with the IPL franchises of Mohali and now, Hyderabad. Moody is famous for making some stern decisions for the progress of the team and his versatility in all departments of the game gives him the prowess to excel in his job.

If I have missed out any other potential name to guide the side, kindly add them in the comments.