02 June,2017 08:43 AM IST | New Delhi/Birmingham | Debasish Datta/PTI
Sources reveal that Indian skipper Virat Kohli is keen to have 'Nawab of Najafgarh' and former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag replacing current head coach Anil Kumble in the dressing room
Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Anil Kumble
Virender Sehwag and Anil Kumble during a training session at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on September 29, 2008 ahead of the India-Australia series in Bangalore. Pic/AFP
Virender Sehwag yesterday became the most notable applicant for the Indian cricket team's chief coach's post, which would be technically vacant when Anil Kumble's term comes to an end after the Champions Trophy. While Kumble is an automatic entry into the process, the others in the fray are Australian Tom Moody and Englishman Richard Pybus, who has coached Pakistan earlier.
The two Indians among applicants are former fast bowler Dodda Ganesh and former India 'A' coach Lalchand Rajput.
Moody and Rajput had applied for the chief coach's job last year also but it was Kumble, who got the nod. However, the entry of Sehwag one of India's greatest ever game-changers makes the battle for the position very interesting.
Also Read: Virender Sehwag applies for Team India coach's post, set for face-off with Anil Kumble
It is learnt that Sehwag applied for the job at the last moment after being urged by skipper Virat Kohli. The plea to come in as coach was made by Kohli during the Indian Premier League. Sehwag was Director of Cricket Operations for Kings XI Punjab. He is believed to have said no then, but Kohli finally convinced him. Asked whether he is ready with his presentation if summoned for an interview, Sehwag said he would do so when he gets a confirmation from the BCCI that his application has been received.
One of India's biggest match-winners and a part of two-time World Cup winning team, Sehwag played 104 Tests and 251 ODIs for India.
He doesn't have any prior coaching experience apart from mentoring IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab recently.
It's the same kind of scenario when Ravi Shastri seemed all set to be retained as coach and Kumble was asked to throw his hat in the ring at the eleventh hour.
The BCCI joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary record denied any rift between Kumble and captain Virat Kohli. However, the fact that a player of Sehwag's stature has applied gives enough indication that everything is not right in the Indian dressing room.
Sehwag will only apply when he knows that he is a serious contender for the top job. It will be interesting if Kumble finally appears for the interview knowing that Sehwag has applied for the post.
However, many in BCCI feel that Sehwag, who is also a social media sensation, may demand an astronomical salary.
