With the Indian Premier League (IPL) in full swing, it seems the BCCI is looking to tap into the wealth of coaching talent present in cricket’s two month extravaganza. After Rising Pune Supergiants’ Stephen Fleming being touted for the India coaching job, another New Zealander in Royal Challengers and Brisbane Heat Coach Daniel Vettori could also be in the reckoning.
According to sources close to BCCI, India’s Test Captain Virat Kohli has requested Vettori’s name to be included in the selection shortlist. The 37-year old retired from cricket in March last year, after losing out in the ICC World Cup final in Melbourne.
Our source said, “We are looking into Vettori as his coaching techniques have been revered by some of the senior national team members. I cannot confirm which members have said this. But, Daniel is being looked into as potential option.”
Despite not revealing the name of the cricketer, there are high chances that Virat Kohli was behind this move. Kohli is the only senior national team member currently playing under the RCB franchise, hence there is major weightage being out behind Vettori’s coaching claim.
The 37-year old has been coaching RCB since 2014, enjoying a mixed tenure so far. A third place playoff qualification last year, cemented his position as one of the top IPL coaches. In April 2015, he also started coaching Big Bash Leage (BBL) outfit Brisbane Heat to ensure consistent coaching throughout the year.
Coincidentally, a former RCB player Vettori was replaced by Kohli as RCB captain in 2013.
India is set to play 18 Test matches between June 2016 and March 2017, highlighting the urgent need of a coach.
This is not the first time an Indian team Captain has suggested the inclusion of a foreign coach. Earlier, Sourav Ganguly had heavily lobbied for the inclusion of Greg Chapell.
Our source added, “We don’t want to rush the issue as of now. There is a shortlist and we will take all things into consideration before making a move.”
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