Team India’s newly appointed Head Coach Ravi Shastri sparks another controversy as he now wants former Indian fast bowler and now bowling coach Zaheer Khan to be replaced by Bharath Arun. The latter was the bowling coach of the side previously. Reportedly, Shastri is not happy with Zaheer’s selection as bowling coach and wants him replaced by Arun. Shastri is upset with Cricket Advisory Committee’s (CAC) decision to appoint Zaheer as the bowling coach.
Reportedly, the CAC did not consult with Shastri before appointing the bowling coach otherwise he was likely to advice Arun for the post. Shastri is not happy with CAC’s selection as Zaheer’s role would be similar to that of India’s batting coach Rahul Dravid who will be doing the work of a consultant. The recent developments imply that Shastri wants a coach who is willing to commit to the team full-time.
According to Times Now, Zaheer will not be able to give even 100 days in a year whereas a full-time bowling coach needs to give approximately 250 days. Reportedly, when Shastri’s other recommendation for the job was former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie who is now the interim coach of Papua New Guinea.
As per a reliable BCCI source who told PTI on conditions of anonymity, “Ravi has highest regards for Zaheer but he believes that a full-time bowling coach is required. Let Zak create a roadmap for bowlers and it will be Arun who will implement it. Ravi is expected to speak to COA on Saturday and make it clear that he would like Arun to join the team from Sri Lanka tour itself,”
This means that the controversy has started even before Shastri’s tenure commenced as India’s Head Coach.
