And...surprise, surprise...the Indian men’s national team has a new coach. After two months of a protracted saga involving rumours, speculation and discontent leading to the resignation of previous incumbent Anil Kumble, reports on Tuesday said that former cricketer-turned commentator Ravi Shastri has been appointed the new coach of the cricket team.
If the reports are true, this will not be a new experience for the celebrated 55-year-old. He has previously served as the team manager in 2007 and more notably as the director of the team from 2014 to 2016, a period where he led India to much success and forged a good understanding with captain Virat Kohli. Despite being overlooked for Anil Kumble last year, Shastri will be hoping to make it count this time.
But of course, there’s also the fact that he won’t be available to provide commentary on air. And Twitter, well, was divided. While some said they’d miss him in the comms box:
There were others who were ecstatic!
And some just paid tribute:
The announcement was comical. Reports first said the appointment had been made with all major media carrying it. Then Amitabh Choudhary, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said no decision had been taken yet.
There were a few digs at the Indian captain too, considering the circumstances in which Shastri was appointed. Especially after the Cricket Advisory Committee had smartly put the ball in Virat Kohli’s court:
There were some pointed questions about the entire coach selection process:
A little bit of sympathy for another very good candidate:
While others decided to find alternate occupations for Kumble.