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Speculation abounds on who, if anybody, will replace Greg Chappell

John Bracewell: The current New Zealand coach has also had a successful stint with the English county side, Gloucestershire. He guided them to a number of one-day trophies. Bracewell’s coaching acumen inspired the Black Caps to a clean sweep in the recent ODI series against Australia. Could be the answer to India’s problems.

John Buchanan: If the BCCI can convince the former university lecturer to change his mind about giving up coaching, he has it in him to turn around the dwindling fortunes of India. A keen student of the game and an analytical genius, Buchanan guided the Aussies to the 2003 World Cup title and has been instrumental in the team’s success since he took over from Geoff Marsh.

Sandeep Patil: If the BCCI is indeed looking to replace Greg Chappell with an Indian coach, bringing back Sandeep Patil would be a logical choice. The former swashbuckling strokemaker guided the Kenyans to a semifinal slot in the 2003 World Cup and has had a stint with the Indian A side too, after coaching the senior national team. He would certainly understand the Indian players better and language would not be a barrier.

Greg Chappell: The current coach could yet be given time to finish off the ‘process’ he started. Chappell has continuously stressed on the fact that he took to the World Cup “the team India wanted”, the subtext in that statement could be that he did not get all players of his choice. After the World Cup debacle, the BCCI might consider the option of giving him a free hand in running and choosing the team.

Vivian Richards: Finally, there is the King. He has made no secret about the fact that that he wants to coach the Indian team. And if indeed he does, one thing is for sure — he is bound to instill that killer instinct of his into our players, and, hopefully, a bit of his fabled swagger will rub on to the Indians as well. Smokin’ Joe, as he is called for his love of cigars, Viv Richards could be India’s best bet.