Chennai: With only two days remaining for the submission of applications for the post of Team India head coach, the race seems to have well and truly begun with a quite a few former internationals throwing their hat into the ring.
Former India bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad and ex-team manager Lalchand Rajput are the latest to join the likes of Ravi Shastri and Sandeep Patil in the fray.
“I applied this morning,” said Prasad, the current chairman of the BCCI junior selecting committee.
Meanwhile, Rajput, after confirming about his application, said it was good to have a healthy competition. “I have not sent any presentation. Now the only the desire is to convey my intention. Once I am called for an interview, I will do a presentation,” he added.
With more set to apply, here is a look at the top coaches who are vying for one of the most demanding jobs in international sports.
Sandeep Patil
The current chairman of selectors was the first candidate to come out in the open about his interest in the job.
Experience: Coached India in 1996 and steered Kenya to the semis at the 2003 WC.
Vikram Rathour
The former India opening batsman and a current member of the senior selection committee has expressed his desire to coach the national team but hasn’t yet confirmed about his application.
Experience: Former assistant coach of Kings XI Punjab.
Ravi Shastri
The former India all-rounder is a top contender as he has first-hand experience of dealing with the current crop of players. More importantly, Test skipper Virat Kohli has lauded Shastri for instilling confidence in the dressing room.
Experience: Team India director (from 2015 till the end of the T20 World Cup in 2016.)
Balwinder Sandhu
Member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning squad, Sandhu has 25 years of coaching experience.
Experience: Former Mumbai coach.
Pravin Amre
The 47-year-old is a reputable coach on the domestic circuit. He has worked with some of the top cricketers such as Rahane, Raina, Uthappa and Dinesh Karthik. Speculations are rife that Amre might well apply.
Experience: Delhi (IPL) assistant coach and former Mumbai coach.
Lalchand Rajput
Rajput is well remembered for being at the helm of the Indian team under M.S. Dhoni that lifted the inaugural World T20 in South Africa nine years ago.
He has applied for the post.
Experience: Former Mumbai Indians coach, Team India manager 2007-2008.
Venkatesh Prasad
The Bengaluru man has also put his hand up by applying for the high profile job on Wednesday. He is one of the two out-and-out of bowlers in the race.
Experience: Bowling coach of India (2007-2009) and worked with CSK and RCB.
Robin Singh
The former India all-rounder has vast experience in coaching across the globe. Though he hasn't confirmed his entry, it is learnt that he is all set to apply.
Experience: Support staff with MI, Indian team (2007-2009). He has coached USA
Bharat Arun
The 51-year-old has a great understanding of domestic cricketers. His contract as the bowling coach of Team India was not renewed ahead of the Zimbabwe series. It is learnt that the ex-Tamil Nadu coach is set to apply for the head coach post.
Experience: Indian team bowling coach (from 2015 to the end of T20 WC in 2016, former NCA chief, now RCB bowling coach
Heath Streak
The former Zimbabwe cricketer did a great job as bowling coach of Bangladesh and his work has earned a lot of respect. Having quit Bangladesh, Streak is a free man now.
Experience: He was the bowling coach of Bangladesh and bowling coach of Gujarat Lions.
