The BCCI is mulling to field another coach as a way of addressing the weak Indian batting attack which lost series to Australia. Kevin Pietersen former England player is keen on the role. Talks are in the works, but no official decision yet as the pressure grows on key batters.
New Delhi: In an effort to stiffen the batting line up, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering appointing a new member for its coaching staff. This decision came after the Indian team endured a woeful performance in the recent series against Australia, where they lost 3-1. Kevin Pietersen, the former international from England, seems keen on taking up the position, indicating his availability to help the team.
Indian batting struggled during the series against Australia, especially in a match when some of its top players failed. Rohit Sharma was out of the playing eleven for the fifth Test at Sydney, while there are huge question marks about his future in red-ball cricket. Virat Kohli must also prove himself if he wants to hold his position in the side and increase pressure on the team to change strategies.
With the batting unit not showing even a glimmer of improvement, BCCI officials, following discussions with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, are said to be considering naming a seasoned former Indian cricketer. Currently, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate lack international managerial experience, which made the board look for more gurus.
Although Pietersen has no coaching experience, his impressive international career, having scored 13,797 runs in 277 matches, makes him a compelling candidate. He went into broadcasting post-retirement and participates in various legends leagues worldwide, along with his environmental advocacy.
The BCCI deliberated on this issue, but there has been no official statement on the changes in the coaching staff. Cricketing circles are all eyes and ears for such updates as the board looks to change the fortunes of the team.
