The interviews of around six shortlisted candidates for the role of India’s head coach has been reportedly delayed, as that will now take place only after Independence Day – August 15.

Earlier, the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising with Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy were to interview the shortlisted candidates on August 13 and 14.

The sources close to the development told IANS, “The meeting was initially set to take place on August 13 and 14, but after shortlisting the candidates, it has come to the fore that around six candidates fit the bill for the position of the head coach and thus, one day of interviews should be enough.”

He added, “Some paperwork still remains and that needs to be completed before the CAC can start the process of interviewing the eligible candidates. Don't see the process happening before August 15.”

Meanwhile, the official has also denied any chances of Indian captain Virat Kohli’s opinion and involvement in the process of the selection. The source added, “Don't see a reason why the captain should be involved as there are guidelines given clearly as to who fits the bill and now it is for the three-member committee to decide on who is the candidate most suited to become the head coach. There is no role for either the captain or the CoA.”

The source signed off by saying, “The same process as was followed during appointing the women's coach will be followed. They will obviously give something like a top three to the BCCI as per their preference and after that it is for the BCCI to approach the person on the top of the list. If that person has all the criteria boxes ticked, he comes in. If not, then the person who is second on the list will be approached. But the call will be with the CAC on preparing the list as per their preference.”

Noteworthy, Kohli, before West Indies tour, insisted that he is yet to contacted by the CAC regarding the same, but he and the Indian team would be happy if Ravi Shastri continues as the head coach.

(With IANS Inputs)