Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Ravi Shastri Says ‘Some Motive’ Behind 2016 Coaching Snub
Ravi Shastri was in charge of India’s cricket team as its team director from 2014 to 2016.
In 2016, he applied to become head coach, but a committee chose Anil Kumble instead.
Shastri says he thought he had earned the job through his work.
He also says the decision hurt him and that there may have been another motive.
Shastri interviewed by video from Bangkok, while Sourav Ganguly was not present for his presentation.
Shastri called Ganguly’s absence disrespectful, and Ganguly criticized Shastri in response.
Kumble left after one year following a reported breakdown in his relationship with captain Virat Kohli.
Shastri was appointed head coach in 2017.
Ravi Shastri said he believed there was “some motive” behind his not being selected as India’s head coach in 2016.
Shastri had served as India’s team director from 2014 to 2016 and said he believed he should have continued on merit.
The Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, appointed Anil Kumble instead.
Shastri said the decision hurt him because he felt his work with the team was beginning to produce results.
After Kumble stepped down following a reported breakdown in his relationship with captain Virat Kohli, Shastri became head coach in 2017.
- Who
- Ravi Shastri, Anil Kumble, and the Cricket Advisory Committee, which included Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman.
- What
- Shastri said he believed there was “some motive” behind being passed over for India’s head coach role in favor of Anil Kumble.
- When
- The appointment decision was made in 2016; Shastri made the comments reported on October 5, 2026.
- Where
- The decision concerned the India head coach role; Shastri interviewed by video link from Bangkok.
- Why
- Shastri said he believed his work as team director merited continuing with the team and that being overlooked hurt him.
Shastri’s view
Ganguly’s response
Why Shastri was overlooked
Shastri’s view
Shastri said there was “some motive” behind the decision and that he believed he should have continued on merit.
Ganguly’s response
Ganguly said Shastri was “living in a fool’s paradise” if he blamed his rejection on one member’s absence, and criticized him for not attending the interview in person.
Ganguly’s absence from the presentation
Shastri’s view
Shastri called Ganguly’s absence while he presented by video link from Bangkok disrespectful.
Ganguly’s response
Ganguly challenged Shastri’s explanation for the rejection and criticized his decision to interview remotely.
- Shastri’s team director tenure
- 2014–2016
- 2016 head coach appointment
- The Cricket Advisory Committee appointed Anil Kumble.
- Committee members
- Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman.
- Kumble’s tenure
- One year
- Shastri returned as head coach
- 2017
- Reported cause of Kumble’s departure
- A reported breakdown in his relationship with captain Virat Kohli.