Former Indian fast bowler Balwinder Singh Sandhu became the newest candidate to apply for the India coaching role.
The Mumbai-born cricketer was a member of the historic 1983 World Cup squad which went on to win the title in England.
The 59-year-old applied for the position via email on 7 May, apart from sending a hard copy of his application to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
However, Sandhu is not the only 1983 World Cup winner who applied for the glamorous post, previously Sandeep Patil and former Indian team director Ravi Shastri also activated their candidature.
Sandhu, who picked up the first wicket for team India in the 1983 World Cup final at Lords also wished his former teammates good luck.
He said in a statement -
“
I am aware that Sandeep and Ravi have applied for the job. I wish my teammates the best. I've known Sandeep for a long time and where Ravi is concerned, we go back a long way since our University cricket days.
”
He represented India in 8 Test matches and in 22 ODIs. The right-handed batsman has scored 214 Test runs and 51 ODI runs and also picked up 10 Test and 16 ODI wickets with his right-arm fast bowling.
Balwinder Singh Sandhu previously coached Mumbai, Maharashtra and Baroda in domestic cricket.
Along with Sandhu , former Indian cricket team manager Lalchand Rajput has also sent in his application to the BCCI. Confirming the same, he added -
“
I have already forwarded my application this morning. I have all the necessary credentials to be India coach.
”
The 55-year-old right-handed batsman has played only two Tests and four ODIs' for India, but the former opening batsman has been a successful coach for under-19 team. He had also been a manager of the national team.
It is also learnt that Pravin Amre, Vikram Rathore, Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh are either preparing to send their applications or have already sent their wishes to the board.
More applications are bound to be received by the BCCI until the last date (June 10) of submission.
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