Cricket Coach: Despite a heavy remuneration there were few takers – Why?

by Sunil Sarpal

The job of coaching Team India in Cricket is a prestigious assignment and carries heavy annual contract. But these days the aspirants for this job are far and few because of the demand attached to this job – Looks like thorns attached to this job.

When asked by BCCI President to the out-going Indian Coach, Rahul Dravid, Would you be interested in renewing your contract further, he said NO . Not Interested. Previous coaches do not speak-out as to the reason why they are disinclined to take up this assignment any more.

Earlier Sehwag, Laxman and even Ganguly were eager to take up this assignment but now none applying any more. The reason attributable to their disinclination is as under :-

1) BCCI who appoints the coach and make payment to him is authorised to ask any kind of clarifications from the coach :-

– It could be composition of the team.
– Non-selection of some players
– Why a non-performing cerebral cricketer not rested and replaced

2) The coach has also to ensure that all players are physically and emotionally in the best frame of mind.

3) If there is a lacunae appearing in the technique of a player, it has to be addressed and corrected ASAP.

4) Coach has to ensure that all players are regular in training and exercise.

5) There is no room for any mis-understanding to take place among players. If there takes place any spat or difference of opinion between players, it is the moral responsibility of the coach to thrashed out amicably so
that the playing unit performs cohesively.

6) Man-management where a number of stars having high stakes in the side.

7) How to handle new comers knocking the door with exceptional talent and performance but unable to sneak in because of non-availability of spots.

8) Un-earthing new talent and recommending them for competitive cricket such as county cricket in England.

The demand of this job is enormous, as a result, talented and experienced past cricketers are no more inclined to take up this assignment. .