Sourav Ganguly reveals CAC offered Ravi Shastri role of India's batting coach

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has revealed that Ravi Shastri was offered the post to be part of Anil Kumble's coaching staff. Ganguly, who is also a member of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), appointed Kumble as the new coach of Team India in June.

Shastri was the former director of Team India and was considered to be the favourite for the post, until Kumble entered the race. The spin legend was appointed ahead of the former all-rounder by CAC and this decision miffed Shastri, who accused Ganguly of being disrespectful to his job by not even being present during the interview process.

Ganguly hit back at Shastri saying that he should not be holidaying in Bangkok and giving an interview over Skype for such an important position; that even a legend of Indian cricket Anil Kumble had presented his stance for over three hours.

The former batsman, though did reveal that the CAC had offered Shastri the post of India's batting coach.

"Yes, we offered Ravi the Indian team's batting coach post," Ganguly was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Ganguly also admitted that the CAC members including Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman will have no role in appointing assistant coaches of the team and that would be left to the current coach.

"It is Anil's prerogative. Since he is a bowler, maybe, he did not appoint a bowling coach. I also have read in the newspapers that he may rope in a pace bowling coach later. Let me stress that Sachin and Laxman have no role in appointing Anil's assistant coaches", he added.

India are currently on tour to the West Indies where they will play a four-Test series with the first Test scheduled to start on 21 July at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.