Coach is indispensable, wait for the right candidate: Shastri

New Delhi, Aug 18 (UNI) Stressing on the need of a head coach for Team India, former skipper Ravi Shastri today said 'coach-less' India might have tasted success in overseas recently, but a coach is indispensable and the vaccant post needed to be filled in with an 'appropriate candidate' in due course of time.

Attributing India's recent success sojourn in foreign lands to bowling and fielding coaches Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh, Shastri said the two specialist coaches' (Prasad and Robin) support and youngsters' responsible show were the main guiding factors behind the 'Men in Blue's' success in Bangladesh and currently in England, but at the end of the day the need for a proper coach is imperative.

''They (Team India) need to have a Head coach. But don't forget the two specialist coaches (Prasad and Robin) are doing well. Besides now even the young bloods have started to accept responsibilities which is good for the team,'' Shastri said on the sidelines of ESPN STAR Sports' audition of a talent hunt programme here.

He, however, clarified that it might take some time to fill up the vaccancy created by Greg Chappeel as they were waiting for an appropriate candidate to take up the 'pot-boiler' job.

''We should wait for an appropriate candidate as eventually one head coach will be needed,'' said Shastri who was also the national team's cricket manager during the recently-held Bangladesh tour.

Moreover, the 45-year-old all-rounder was of the view because of its fast pace, the nascent version of the game (Twenty20) was best suited to youngsters as they are energetic as well as athletic.

''The Twenty20 cricket's pace suits youngsters. One has to be quick both in the field and his thought process otherwise you will get exposed,'' he opined.

Shatsri was acting as a one the jury members in ESPN STAR Sports reality based sports' talent hunt programme for sports presenter, based on American and European format.

Apart from Shastri, the other jury members include noted actor and cricket presenter Mandira Bedi and Sharon Van Zwieten, Executive producer of the private broadcaster.

UNI