John Wright's tenure as India coach is over.
Yes, you know that. I know that. And the Board of Control for Cricket in India knew that since at least the start of this year if not more.
So why does India not have a new coach as yet?
Is the BCCI sleeping?
Here is what BCCI secretary S K Nair had to say about the issue:
'We (read the BCCI) are planning to set up a committee consisting of former Test players. It will be given adequate time to choose the new coach. In any case, the team does not have any engagements till August.'
Exactly, the attitude we have come to expect from the BCCI over the years.
They will wait until the last moment to select a coach. The logic behind the act: To save money, of course.
The correct thing to do at this juncture is to have already appointed a coach, and give him time to be with the team as a silent observer during the tour of Pakistan.
That would have done two things at the very least.
1. It would have let him exchange notes with Wright. Let's face it, Wright has been with the team for five years and he will know the player's inside-out.
2. Plus, it will also give him a good idea of what this Indian unit is all about. Every team has power brokers, this team has them too and even though it's pretty obvious who they are, it always helps to connect with them early.
I mean, even the smallest of corporate companies make sure that when new personnel is recruited, he is given a proper hand-down by the guy who is leaving.
Why can't the BCCI, the richest sports body in India, understand such a simple fact?
Wright did a lot of good work during his tenure and even though the end wasn't pretty, everyone recognises his contribution to the team's improvement, particularly in Test cricket.
It is typical of BCCI to leave everything as late as possible whether it is the scheduling of tours or the television right or even selecting a coach.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that every time the BCCI delays a decision, it is the game, to be precise Indian cricket that is hurt.
Being the coach of Indian team is a coveted job. The last time, India were on the look-out for a coach, the search had lasted months.
Finally, two men -- Geoff Marsh and John Wright -- were short-listed for the job.
Bob Woolmer and Geoffery Boycott were also approached but negotiations fell through because of the money.
Marsh was rejected, when he asked for close to Rs 5 lakhs per month.
But then Wright walked in to face the interview panel. And the first thing he told them was, 'I will not talk money, I'll leave it to you gentlemen to pay me what you think is fair. Instead, let us talk performance, let us talk about what we can do with this team.'
I think such a man deserved a lot better than what the BCCI meted out to him.
He is gone but his opinion as to who he felt would be a good coach for this team should have been taken.
Why? You ask.
Simply because he knows the requirements better than any other former Test cricketer will ever know.
Simply because he sat those long hours in front of a computer working out the nitty-gritty of the game, so that our players could prosper on the field.
Simply because; it's his right.
Instead, the BCCI will wait for him to say his goodbyes. They will give him a glass vase in a ceremony to show their appreciation.
And only then, with Wright gone, will they set up a committee to find India's new coach.
Wright should have been part of that committee.
The BCCI will argue that it has former Test cricketers on the panel but coaching a team and playing cricket are two completely different things.
Ironically, the BCCI has not even decided on the players as yet and one just hopes, they have some sort of coaching experience.
With a four-month break just beginning and knowing how the Indian team has come back from breaks recently, wouldn't it have been the perfect time for a new coach to work with the team?
I can virtually hear every logical brain in this country and beyond, saying, 'YES'. But try telling that to the BCCI.
The point I am trying to make is simple. Don't wait till just before the next tour to put a coach in place. Do it now. Because now is right.
