Who can be India's next coach? 5 possible replacements for Duncan Fletcher

Considering TeamIndias unending miseries undercurrent coachDuncan Fletcher, it is highly unrealistic that the board will allow the 65-year-old to be in-charge ofthe team Down Under later in the year.With the knife firm,strong and sure to strike the Zimbabwean to cut shorthis contract that extends till 2015 World Cup, we have identifiedthepersons who have the potentialto take charge of the struggling Team Indiaand live up to the expectations of thefans.

#5 Sourav Ganguly

The Bengal Tiger is the most authoratative figure of the Indian setup in the last decade and implements his ideas at the immediate best. Possibly possessing all the brains required to pre-plan the match strategies assessing the opposition watchfully.

Might demand more powers than what the coaches enjoy with the Indian setup since the Greg Chappell days. Known to be a bit stubborn with his decision makings, he backs his teammates more than anyone else. Will be more vocal in his opinions and hence there will be a sense of urgency in his methods – an urgency much needed to turn the slide. Perhaps that is the most essential thing needed to Indian cricket in the present situation.

Someone who strives to take the attack to the opposition blocking out all loopholes of the side. This very same strategy might come in handy for the team that is exhibiting problems like ever before. Might not have much patience that is essential for a coach, but, certainly the intent for success at all cost will keep him going.

A strong will power and a dominant hand might not be a bad thing to boost the side with. As he himself have openly stated his wish to coach India in the past, the ball is in BCCI’s court.

#4 Anil Kumble

The Jumbo is known to be a fighter in heart and will look to guide the team in all dimensions. Not having a great coaching record behind him, but, his role as a mentor with the IPL teams – Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians give an insight into his technical mind.

With abundance of experience up his sleeve, the former leg-spinner could draw performances from failing stars with his inputs. His stint as a cricket administrator is an added advantage to his man management skills. With him, India might finally look for improved performances from the spinners in overseas unfavorable conditions.

A patient man, he will take up the task with complete dedication. India owe him a lot in shaping up Harbhajan Singh and there is no reason why he cannot repeat the same with the current crop of bowlers – both spinners and pacers. Probably not bring much into the batting point of view as no one can be an master of everything. Still, he is no mug with the bat in his prime and will definitely have something to add more strength to a batsman’s armoury.

In case the highest wicket-taker of India across all formats accepts the responsibility to take over the team, another fellow Indian might be needed to look after the batsmen.

#3 Rahul Dravid

Probably the most under rated strategist considering his record as an overseas captain. Nevertheless, everyone agrees of his credentials to analyze the match situation and plan accordingly. Considering his history of backing young players to achieve success, recently evident from his Rajasthan Royals’ mentor role, it would be a wise choice to turn to Dravid as the head coach.

He might have failed as a batting consultant in England, but, that should not be the see-all-end-all. If the team needs to establish a strong base of talent pool and maintain a healthy bench strength, the Bangalorean is the right man to sign as the coach.

The proud owner of a gifted mind and blessed with a clear, astute vision to go about a match/series. Considering the handful of away Test wins and record number of consecutive chases in ODIs, it is evident that he knows the secret of success. Having served as a player till early 2012, the reliable man knows the working methods of the team, can easily gel with players in the dressing room and more importantly: know the postives and negatives of the individuals.

However, Dravid having a young family back home makes it all the more difficult for the former cricketer to take up any serious assignments yet.

#2 Shane Warne

The legendary Australian leg-spinner proved that he can make a good coach during his IPL stint with the Rajasthan Royals in 2008. Taking a team of lesser known talents to compete with the world’s best and win the league, his techincal mind came to the fore.

Since witnessing his success, the practical problem of a foreign coach struggling with the language of Indian players can be neglected. True, the Royals’ struggled after the inaugural season, but not always a successful run can be expected from unknown talents.

India is facing a situation where the highly gifted cricketers are repeating their mistakes series after series and strive for the right guidance. The 44-year-old Victorian can eliminate those errors and make the team compete to the best of its abilities. Having known most of the Indian players owing to the IPL, the bonding will be good and is also held in high regard among cricketing circles.

As he was even considering coaching their Ashes rivals England only recently, and an offer from India might not make him think twice.

#1 Stephen Fleming

The former New Zealand captain earns respect for his leadership skills that transformed New Zealand as tough competitors with his tactical mind. He was the face of Kiwi cricket during his time at the helm and has the capability to work with individuals to come good. A group of talented cricketers came to the fore during his leadership including Shane Bond, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum to name a few.

Not just someone with a reputation of a reknowned tactician and a skillful strategist, but has some successful coaching record behind him with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Many players of the side – both Indian and foreigners have spoken highly on the 41-year-old’s coaching techniques including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Faf du Plessis.

Even though T20 is not the ideal format to assess a coach’s credentials, it is definitely not easy to keep the players motivated to perform consistently, season after season. Fleming is someone who can be up for the job.

Despite making clear of his intentions not to engage in a full-time coaching job in 2012, the left-hander can be the first choice candidate, with the team desperately lagging behind on motivation and ideas.