'Ravi Shastri complements Kohli, unsafe to change India's coach', says BCCI official

Mumbai: The Committee of Administrators(CoA) has invited applicants for the position of head coach and support staff of the Indian team. However, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials feel that it is vital that Ravi Shastri continues as the head coach as it will help Virat Kohli to evolve as a captain.

The support staff comprising Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, batting coach Sanjay Bangar and fielding coach R Sridhar were given a 45-day extension following the World Cup, covering the West Indies tour from August 3 to September 3.

Speaking to IANS, a senior BCCI official said that it was important to continue with Shastri and Kohli as the two head in the process of transition and the team looks to back youngsters with an eye on the 2020 World T20 and the 2023 World Cup.

"Nothing permanent with a long-term effect should happen at this stage of transition. Shastri and Kohli complement each other well and it would be unfair to change half of a team that has been successful," the official said.

The official further added that it was important to maintain continuity as a change in coaching staff would mean that players have to mould and adapt in his ways from the beginning.

"A change in coach may prove to disturb the equation that exists which allows the players to have the mental space to excel. If a change is made at this stage, then it would be a change of strategy and planning for the next 5 years. It would be unfair to take such a decision at a stage when the stakeholders are not the ones deciding," said the official.