5 possible contenders for the Indian coaching job

Coaching the Indian cricket team is one of the most high-profile and high-pressure jobs in the world. The expectations that surround the team are enormous. In a cricket-crazy nation like India, it is understandable but it makes the coach and the captain's job rather strenuous.Also, for the coach, the job becomes even tougher as he has the arduous task of managing high-profile players who are treated as demigods in the country. The task becomes even more challenging when the team loses and the coach must be prepared to take the criticism which will come his way. As the current team director Ravi Shastri's tenure is coming to an end and the high profile Advisory Committee consisting of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman sit together to select the next coach, let's have a look at the five possible contenders for the position.

#1 Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid mentored the Indian Under 19 team to the world cup final

The Wall of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid, is fondly remembered for his rock solid technique and gentlemanly demeanour. Stupendous performances in challenging conditions have been a hallmark of his career. Recently as a coach too, he won many accolades by guiding the Indian under-19 team to the World Cup final.

The batsmen can learn a great deal from this legend. Who’s better than Rahul Dravid to talk about technique and application. The former player, who has already managed the Indian colts, has a first-hand experience in coaching too.

When team India is desperate to find ways of winning overseas, Rahul Dravid can surely be the man who can guide them to unprecedented glory.

#2 Michael Hussey

Mike Hussey was approached for the job by Laxman

The Mr. Cricket name sits aptly on this guy from down under. He is someone who thrives under pressure and is someone with whom players share a great rapport.

Hussey is an excellent thinker of the game and his positive approach to the game can usher in a new era in Indian cricket. Hussey who was an exceptional limited-overs player did well in the longer version too. He has bailed Australia out of trouble on numerous occasions.

Hussey also revealed the fact that he was approached for the coaching job by VVS Laxman, which he turned down due to family issues. However, one can’t just keep him out of contention given the fact that his name has been making the rounds.

The BCCI and Hussey may just spring in a surprise.

#3 Gary Kirsten

Garry Kirsten had a successful stint with the Indian team before

Indian cricket will forever be indebted to the South African southpaw. Kirsten not only helped India to win the World Cup but also propelled the team to the number one ranking in Test Cricket.

Kirsten whom many Indian players admired because of his amiable nature and man-management skills was hailed as the ‘best thing to have happened to Indian cricket’ by none other than the skipper MS Dhoni.

Will it be a return for Kirsten, this time around? He has been part of the Indian cricketing scene as the coach of the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL.

The return of Kirsten might just be the thing India need to turn around their dismal overseas performances. Under him, India won a test series in New Zealand and drew one in South Africa.

It is always better to build a winning culture inside the team. Kirsten might just be the man to do that once again for Indian cricket.

#4 Stephen Fleming

Fleming had successful stints with many teams especially CSK

The former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming was widely regarded for his shrewd tactics and sportsmanship. He has been doing the coaching job for one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League, the Chennai Super Kings.

Fleming recently was named the coach of the new IPL franchise, Rising Pune Supergiants where he will be reunited with MS Dhoni. Fleming shares a nice rapport with most of the Indian contingent playing for CSK.

Stephen Fleming can inspire the young Indian squad with his leadership and he is one who can be given the job given his outstanding credentials.

#5 Andy Flower

Andy Flower led the England team to unprecedented success during his tenure

The man from Zimbabwe was a thorn in the flesh of the Indian side when he played. He recorded his highest Test score against India and that too in Indian conditions countering the likes of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.

He has an excellent coaching record too, under his coaching, the England cricket side achieved tremendous success. Flower helped England win the ICC World T20 in 2010 and also helped England win back-to-back Ashes.

His name was also in contention to replace Duncan Fletcher, thus it is quite possible that the BCCI turn to him this time around to seek better performances overseas.