MOST SUITABLE • The guiding force for Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar during the World Cup Championship last year, Javagal Srinath still possesses the steam to chug along in international cricket. Dipping motivation levels may have forced him to call it quits three months ago but the wealth of experience that he carries should be a treasure trove for Irfan Pathan, Laxmipathy Balaji etc. GREY AREA: No previous coaching experience, temperamental trait IDEAL OFFERING • The other half of India’s famous fast bowling combo, Venkatesh Prasad, still harbours hopes of a recall. Having passed the Level II coaching exams with impressive scores, the 34-year-old continues to roll his arm over on the domestic tracks — 19 wickets from five Ranji matches this season stand testimony to it. Appointed under-17 National coach for the Asia Cup held at Bangalore last month where the Indians finished runners-up GREY AREA: Acceptance SURPRISE CHOICE • Champion bowler, champion athlete. Kapil Dev should be an automatic choice for the post but his forgettable stint as the national team’s coach four years ago casts a shadow on the former Indian captain’s abilities. A favourite of BCCI chief Jagmohan Dalmiya, the former world record holder for most number of Test wickets also has his hands full with a host of endorsements to cater to. GREY AREA: Past record SHOWING PROMISE • Paras Mhambrey, who quit after guiding Mumbai to Ranji Trophy success last year, saw his coaching stocks soar when John Wright sought him out for assistance during the Indian team’s pre-season conditioning camp six months ago. Currently coaching Maharashtra, the 31-year-old protege of Frank Tyson is also a Level II coach GREY AREA: Low profile FOREIGN HAND Fanie de Villiers, Wasim Akram, Frank Tyson too are some big names that the Indian cricket team has found favour with. Tyson, 72, is best suited for short stints while Akram is a strict no-no in Pakistan. It leaves the South African, who was a master at his craft DARK HORSES Balwinder Singh Sandhu and TA Sekar are two good options that cannot escape mention
