From Ashes to hottest seat: Duncan Fletcher new India coach

In keeping with the no-frills coach they desire,the Board of Control for Cricket in India today announced Duncan Fletcher as the man who would take over from Gary Kirsten,without much ado.

In keeping with the no-frills coach they desire,the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today announced Duncan Fletcher as the man who would take over from Gary Kirsten,without much ado. The former Zimbabwe captain and ex-England coach was given a contract for two years.

Fletchers name was approved at the BCCI Working Committee meeting here. Only current president Shashank Manohar and president-elect and secretary N Srinivasan seemed to have known about the choice.

Sources say while the BCCI was keen on hiring current England coach Andy Flower,he was reluctant. Another contender,former New Zealand captain and current Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming,couldnt make the grade as he lacked enough international experience.

Fletcher comes with great credentials to fill Kirstens big boots,having shepherded England to their Ashes win against Australia in 2005,the first time England won the tournament since 1986-87.

Karnataka board president Anil Kumble reportedly proposed the name of Venkatesh Prasad but was turned down.

The BCCI is not sure whether Fletcher would be available for the West Indies tour in June,though Srinivasan said he would join the Indian team in the Caribbean.

The terms and conditions of Fletchers appointment will remain the same as that of Kirsten, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla said.

Story continues below this ad

Sources said Manohar and Srinivasan had spoken to Fletcher a month ago and top players including Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh were consulted.

The matter was not on the agenda,but we all approved the new appointment, a committee member said.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram