Besides Ravi, all other coaching and support staff positions are open, says Anshuman Gaekwad

The two-time India head coach, Gaekwad, has said that Shastri’s position as head coach is under no threat, purely based on performance. The Men in Blue have done very well in foreign tours, and have climbed to the top of the Test rankings under Shastri.

“Speaking purely from the results perspective, he has done quite well. So, besides Ravi, all other positions [in the coaching and support staff] in my opinion are open depending on who is applying, their credentials and whether they meet the criteria of the BCCI,” Gaekwad was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The three-member committee, headed by former India World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev comprises Gaekwad and former India women’s team captain Shantha Rangswamy. Only former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson and former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene have been reported to have applied to the committee for the position of head coach.

However, Gaekwad brushed aside all notions of letting the head coach bring in his own support staff. With performance being the criteria that is keeping Shastri in the role, Gaekwad believes the panel will look at candidates purely on the value they will lend to the side.

“I had just a doctor for myself when I was coach. It is about competency along with a comfort zone. It [getting own support staff members] is basically an understanding to deliver. We will look at candidates purely on what they can deliver for this team,” he said.

The former Indian batsman hopes he can have a word with the Indian players to get a feel of their needs before picking out the persons for the various jobs.

“We are complete outsiders. We would love to speak to a few players to understand what they feel if the BCCI permits us. If it is not possible to speak to them, then we will go with our expert opinion like we did with the selection of the women’s coach. Rest assured, we will pick the best people to enhance our (India’s) performance,” he concluded.