Shastri shrugs off England head coach proposal

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has floated an intriguing proposal for appointing Ravi Shastri as England’s next head coach. Panesar’s reasoning is rooted in experience and results. Shastri, he believes, has already shown how to turn around a side, instil a winning mentality and build teams capable of succeeding in the most demanding overseas conditions — particularly in Australia, where England’s Ashes struggles have been well documented.

Panesar’s view goes beyond tactics. For him, England could do with a fresh cricketing perspective, one that moves beyond the current Bazball approach and focuses on building a tougher, more resilient Test team with long-term success in mind.

The comments came up in conversation with Ayaz Memon, one of India’s most respected sports writers, a veteran cricket journalist, columnist, author and former lawyer, whose association with the game spans decades and generations of cricketers. Few have observed Indian and world cricket as closely or as continuously as Memon, whose relationships with players, past and present, allow for rare and candid exchanges.

When Memon mentioned Panesar’s remarks to Shastri during a casual chat, the former India head coach responded with a laugh, hardly surprising for someone who has often been linked to high-profile roles. Shastri made it clear that there was nothing concrete behind the speculation. “I don’t have any official information,” he told Memon, playing it down with characteristic nonchalance.

Panesar, nevertheless, continues to make his case. He points to Shastri’s tenure with India when the team evolved into a formidable overseas unit and developed the belief to win in challenging conditions. India’s success in Australia, in particular, stands out as evidence, Panesar feels, that Shastri understands both the opposition and the mindset required to beat them.

Whether England choose to look beyond their current philosophy remains to be seen. But as Panesar suggests, if experience, toughness and a proven understanding of Australia count for anything, Ravi Shastri’s credentials are hard to ignore.