Anil Kumble steps down as India head coach: Six candidates who could replace him and work with captain Virat Kohli

Sport360 staff 10:18 21/06/2017
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  • Fraught relationship: Kohli and Kumble.

    With the first one-day international of their tour to West Indies taking place on June 23, India will want to try and have a coach in position for the bulk of their stint in the Caribbean.

    Following their Champions Trophy final defeat to Pakistan, the powers that be at the BCCI will want to move quickly and ensure the team are moving forward.

    Who do you think could fit the bill as their new coach?

    These are our six candidates:

    Share your thoughts by – get in touch on Twitter and via Facebook.

    VIRENDER SEHWAG

    Will surely be the popular choice among fans and perhaps even within some quarters of the BCCI. Sehwag has the absolute respect of the dressing room, has a brilliant cricket mind, is enthusiastic, inspirational and straight-talking. What counts against him, of course, is his lack of experience, especially against other candidates.

    Faridabad, INDIA: Indian batsman Virender Sehwag bats in the nets during a practice session at the Nahar Singh Cricket Stadium in Faridabad, some 30 kms east of New Delhi 30 March 2006 as captain Rahul Dravid (C) and coach Greg Chappell (L) looks on. India will play the second One-Day International cricket match against England at Faridabad 31 March, as they hold a 1-0 lead in the seven-match series. AFP PHOTO/ MANAN VATSYAYANA (Photo credit should read Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images)

    Sehwag would be a popular choice.

    RAHUL DRAVID

    The sensible, common sense decision but the India A and Under-19 coach is understood to be reluctant at taking the top job due to the travel commitments involved. That being said, with public pressure and a job offer in front of him, Dravid could be persuaded otherwise. Another possibility is a team director’s role with someone like Sehwag alongside him.

    NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Rahul Dravid of India looks on during a India nets session at Trent Bridge on July 7, 2014 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

    Coaching in the ranks already: Dravid.

    RAVI SHASTRI

    Was overlooked in favour of Kumble 12 months ago but remains a deeply influential and authoratitive figure in India cricket and, maybe, the BCCI may see the error of their ways.

    What may swing matters in his favour is his strong relationship with Kohli who recommended Shastri to the CAC last month and could well be kingmaker in the final decision.

    NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Ravi Shastri of India speaks on the phone during net practice at Trent Bridge on August 29, 2014 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

    Could he make a return?

    TOM MOODY

    The Australian ticks every box in terms of experience and his ability to get teams playing good cricket in all formats. Has vast experience of Indian cricket during his successful spell with IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2012-2017. His time as Sri Lanka coach also boost his CV. It just remains unclear if the BCCI explicitly want an Indian in charge.

    MUMBAI, INDIA: Sri Lankan cricket coach Tom Moody addresses media representatives after a warm-up match against Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President's XI in Mumbai, 22 October 2005. The Sri Lankan team led by Attapattu is on a seven-match limited-overs tour of India with their first match set for 25 October. AFP PHOTO/Sebastian D'SOUZA (Photo credit should read SEBASTIAN D'SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

    Moody has a stellar reputation in international cricket.

    LALCHAND RAJPUT

    Has done a fine job with Afghanistan since being appointed head coach in July 2016 but it’s perhaps difficult to truly assess his impact in such a short period of time. Has worked with the India Under-19 and T20 team before but an incident while coach of Mumbai in 2008 could count against him as he was seen laughing on TV when Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth.

    Lalchand Sitaram Rajput (L) and Mohamad Asghar Stanikzai (2L) of Afghanistan chat about the pitch as ground staff use a roller during a training session at Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on June 08, 2017 in St. Lucia ahead of the West Indies vs Afghanistan ODI game scheduled on June 09, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Randy Brooks (Photo credit should read RANDY BROOKS/AFP/Getty Images)

    Rajput (L) is an experienced coach.

    DODDA GANESH

    The real outside bet, given he’s been more known for his appearance on Bigg Boss last year – lasting two weeks in the house – than his coaching. He does, however, have pedigree having worked with the National Cricket Academy’s Under-16 and Under-19 sides and as India slowly usher in more younger players, he could prove to be a good fit.

    Unlikely option for India but they make thing outside the box.

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