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:
Such a shame. No Ravi Shastri in the commentary box for 2 years at least. SUCH. A. SHAME.
— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) July 11, 2017
There were others who were ecstatic!
Ravi Shastri is the new Indian Cricket Team coach till 2019 - the best thing about this is he wont be the commentator for 2 years.
— Sir Jenkinson (@theEpicGooner) July 11, 2017
No Shastri in commentary box till 2019. pic.twitter.com/mNYmvM3Vtn
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 11, 2017
🎾Happy for Ravi Shastri that he'll coach Team India for 2 years.Happy for the rest of us since it means temporary relief his commentary.
— தரணிதரன் (@Tharanigkt) July 11, 2017
And some just paid tribute:
CoA got the BCCI & CAC to act like a tracer bullet. #RaviShastri
— Jaspreet Sahni (@JaspreetSSahni) July 11, 2017
Ravi Shastri training schedule-
— Azeem Banatwalla (@TheBanat) July 11, 2017
7am- Training
9am- Extraaaaa Trainnings
11am- Electrifying Training
12pm- In the end Training is the winner
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.
Turns out, Ravi Shastri isn't the coach yet! BCCI denies. Hmmm. That's not what the doctor ordered. This one is going down the wire!
— Mangalam Maloo (@blitzkreigm) July 11, 2017
The breaking news rush on #RaviShastri is the reason why Lucknow's Nawabs coined 'Pehle Aap' :)
— Jaspreet Sahni (@JaspreetSSahni) July 11, 2017
High drama. Clearly we've all been victims of 'breaking news'' that wasn't re: choice of Indian coach. Decision not yet reached says #BCCI
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 11, 2017
Guys relax! Selection of Indian Cricket coach will be indicated by white smoke from Vatican's chimney.
— cricBC (@cricBC) July 11, 2017
Ah, so someone jumped the gun on the announcement of the coach. Sorry, was reacting to media reports having just logged on
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 11, 2017
Ravi Shastri's appointment going down to the wire. All 3 results possible.
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) July 11, 2017
Q. What would journalism be without reliable sources?
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 11, 2017
A. Boring 😉🙏
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:
Breaking News: Virat Kohli appointed Ravi Shastri as new Indian coach.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) July 11, 2017
Shastri has received a two-year contract, will be coach till the 2019 World Cup unless he becomes overbearing.
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) July 11, 2017
Just after Ravi Shastri is appointed as coach of our cricket team, he announced that beer & vodka shots wd be served during the drink breaks
— Ra_Bies (@Ra_Bies) July 11, 2017
Ganguly: We need a good coach, Moody?
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 11, 2017
Kohli: How about Chappell?
Ganguly: Nah.
Kohli: Same.
Shastri had a good year as Coach (or director?), replaced.
— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) July 11, 2017
Kumble had a good year as coach, replaced.
Shastri better produce poor results
There were some pointed questions about the entire coach selection process:
Coach select kar rahe the ya prom queen? Couple photos achhi aayengi ya nahi? Will they get along or not?
— cricBC (@cricBC) July 11, 2017
Shastri's selection reminds me of 70s Bollywood movie where interview candidates knew ki naukri to Bade babu ke saale saab ko hi milni hai.
— cricBC (@cricBC) July 11, 2017
A little bit of sympathy for another very good candidate:
Tom Moody's wait for becoming the Indian head coach continues. Applying for the post ever since 2005.
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) July 11, 2017
*CV*
— Aakash (@PUNchayati) July 11, 2017
Tom Moody - Has coaching experience in Australia, Sri Lanka, SRH.
Ravi Shastri - In good terms with the captain
While others decided to find alternate occupations for Kumble.
Ravi Shastri appointed India head coach till 2019 World Cup and Anil Kumble to be the head photographer.
— Godman Chikna (@Madan_Chikna) July 11, 2017