Virat Kohli may have claimed that there are no problems with current coach Anil Kumble, but the grapevine has it  that the skipper had made it very clear that Ravi Shastri is the man he wants at the helm.

A Times of India report says that Kohli told Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman that he backed Shastri to return to the backroom staff, but the former all-rounder hasn’t even applied for the job. Kohli apparently had a chat before India left for the Champions Trophy in England.

Tendulkar and Laxman, along with Ganguly, will choose the next coach of India – with Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody, Richard Pybus, Dodda Ganesh, Lalchand Rajput and current coach Kumble in the fray for the role.

b’Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli. PTI’

It is also reported that Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman have started interviewing candidates and that Kohli had requested the legends to invite Shastri for an interview.

But no application means no interview and that has been made very clear by the BCCI. 

Ravi Shastri was Team Director from 2014 to 2016 before Kumble took over. His contract ends after the Champions Trophy but the former leggie has an impressive record so far and is still a favourite to continue in the role.

Click here to read the full Times of India report.

Feature image source: PTI