'If Fletcher can read between the lines, he can tender his resignation'

With Ravi Shastri being appointed as the director of the Indian cricket team, the days of current chief coach Duncan Fletcher seems to be numbered. There is a question mark over his presence during the upcoming home series against the West Indies.

"Duncan has no powers left whatsoever. Ravi will be calling the shots and Duncan knows it only too well. At this point of time, with no choice of support staff, Duncan will have to take a back seat. If Duncan wants to leave before the next home series against West Indies, the Board will not stop him," a senior BCCI office-bearer said, on condition of anonymity.

Asked if Fletcher has indicated about quitting, he replied: "The BCCI has sent him enough feelers that he is not required!

"Ravi and Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be involved in strategizing. Sanjay (Bangar) has proven credentials and knows the younger members of the side.

“The current crop of fast bowlers have worked at NCA (National Cricket Academy) under Arun. So tell me what shall Duncan bring to the table? If he can read between the lines, then he can tender his resignation and it will be accepted."

Don't miss our coverage of India's tour to England

- ...

Once the England series is over, the Indian team members will disperse to play in the Champions League T20 for the franchises that have qualified for the event.

The home series against the West Indies will kick-off on October 8 with the one-dayers and Fletcher will be on leave before that.

"There are still doubts as to whether he (Fletcher) will be present in the Indian dressing room during that series. In any case, India will be favourites at home and that is the time when the new Team director and the new support staff will be able to know the players better before the tour of Australia," the official added.

Don't miss our coverage of India's tour to England

- ...

Fletcher's contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India is till the end of the 2015 World Cup, but there is an exit clause which will ensure his smooth removal from the top job.

It is also learnt that Rahul Dravid's name was discussed but he was not too keen on a full-time role that requires extensive travelling.

The official said that Dhoni's name did not crop up when the BCCI's executive functionaries discussed the new support staff.

"There has been no discussion as such about Dhoni's future as of now," he said.

- ...

BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said the Indian team will be re-energised under Ravi Shastri, who has been appointed as the team director for the ODI series against England.

"We are quite sure that the boys will be re-energised under the guidance of Shastri. His on-the-field and off-the-field knowledge will be very helpful to bring the team back into the game," he Patel told reporters.

"Since last two weeks BCCI is discussing the entire issue. As a combination of much debate and discussion yesterday, the decision was taken to appoint Shastri," said Patel.

- ...

BCCI has also given break to the bowling coach, Joe Dawes, and fielding coach, Trevor Penney, for the Windies one-dayers and appointed Sanjay Bangar, former Indian all-rounder, and former India fast bowler Bharat Arun as assistant coaches of the team.

"At the moment, two other coaches have also been replaced by three Indian coaches as you know. This will obviously bring some fresh air into the team," he said.