Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman Agree to be Team India's Advisors; No Word on Dravid
Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have retired from Test cricket in recent years. They will now be part of Indian cricket's advisory committee. Rahul Dravid's name is missing.
After weeks of speculation, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have agreed to be on BCCI's advisory committee, according to Board secretary Anurag Thakur. (Related: Will Ganguly become Team India's new High Performance Director?)
Thakur tweeted that former captains Ganguly and Tendulkar will form the all-important committee that will advise the Indian Cricket Board. While Laxman will be the third man, Rahul Dravid is conspicuous by his absence. (Also read: 'Indian cricket team full of superstars, don't need a coach')
I welcome & thank @sachin_rt Saurav Ganguly @VVSLaxman281 fr joining @BCCI.Privileged to hv yur guidance & support,as we start a new inning!
- Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) June 1, 2015
BCCI president welcomed the 'Big Three' saying, "I am happy to note that our eminent cricketers have come forward to lend their experience and insights as we work towards a common goal of taking Indian Cricket to greater heights." (Official BCCI media release)
It is still not clear what roles the veteran superstars will play. It has been widely speculated that Ganguly will become Team India's High Performance Manager. However, Ganguly or Tendulkar, despite their heavy personal assignments that includes media, is unlikely to be a coach.
Thakur will be talking to Tendulkar, Laxman and Ganguly on Monday to discuss details. The troika is expected to advise on selection of coaches and other matters for the development of cricket. Interestingly, former Test captain Anil Kumble is already heading BCCI's technical committee.
Speaking to the media in Kolkata on Monday evening, an evasive Ganguly said: "I don't even know my role in the advisory committee." Instead, the football-loving former captain preferred to talk about Mohun Bagan winning the I-League.
It is not clear if Ganguly will accompany the Indian Team on their upcoming tour of Bangladesh. The team flies out to Dhaka from Kolkata on June 7. The first Test starts June 10. India and Bangladesh also play three ODIs.
"The coming generations are bound to benefit from the guidance that will be provided by these luminaries and will go a long way in strengthening our existing system," Dalmiya said.
There is a question mark on Ravi Shastri's role. The former all-rounder was India's Team Director during the World Cup and is not keen on a short-term role. (Also read: Ideal time to coach Team India, says Gavaskar)
It is very unlikely the BCCI will completely ignore Dravid. 'The Wall' has played a massive role in galvanising Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and it will not be surprising if the Board officials have a bigger and hands-on role for the former master batsman for Team India.
In all likelihood, India will travel to Bangladesh without a head coach. The support staff may just comprise Sanjay Bangar, Bharat Arun (bowling) and R. Sridhar (fielding) - all three have been part of Team India in recent times.