Wright may not continue as coach
By Indranil Basu in New Delhi
Monday, 22 November , 2004, 08:15
In all probability, former New Zealand cricket captain John Wright will not continue as the Indian coach after the India-South Africa series.
Though Wright’s contract gets over in the middle of the India-Pakistan series next year, sources say that he is not keen to stay on with Team India for various reasons. Also it seems the BCCI is not too impressed with his performance.
Instead, cricket consultant of Team India Sunil Gavaskar is a likely contender for the post although Sandip Patil’s name has also cropped up. There is also a likelihood of appointing a foreign coach.
When Wright leaves the Indian team, Sunny Gavaskar’s name is likely to be discussed in the BCCI meetings. If the BCCI wishes to transform Gavaskar from cricket consultant - a post he is holding without pay - to Indian coach after the South African series, the Cricket Board will have to finalise his payroll.
On the other hand, the BCCI is unlikely to firm up any major decision till November 30, by which date the Cricket Board hopes everything will be sorted out in the Supreme Court.
Sources say that a section in the BCCI wants India-A team coach Sandip Patil to coach the national side. But the BCCI has not planned anything substantial.
However, the Cricket Board wants Gavaskar to stay with the team in Bangladesh. After all, the Indian cricketers are getting free service from the former ‘Little Master’ and that is all the more reason why the BCCI can afford another coach in the team.
However, it is learnt that a couple of Indian cricketers are in favour of having a foreign coach.
Source- khel.com
