Team India trainer Nick Webb has decided to step down from his post of strength and conditioning coach after the upcoming T20 World Cup and will not seek a contract extension.
The New Zealander, who was appointed to the position in 2019, himself confirmed the development.
“I have recently informed the BCCI that I will not be seeking extension of contract following the Twenty20 World Cup,” Webb wrote in a social media post.
Webb also confirmed the development to Cricbuzz and said the decision was taken due to the restrictions imposed following the spread of COVID-19 pandemic as he was finding it difficult to spend time with his family.
“This has not been an easy decision. But ultimately I must put my family first. The current Covid restrictions for the New Zealand citizens wanting to enter the country is the primary reason. While these restrictions may ease in the future, the uncertainty of this happening moving forward along with potential 5-8 months stint at a time away from my family has made it unsustainable for me past the T20 World Cup,” he wrote.
Commenting on India captain Virat Kohli and coach Shastri, he said: “They are both great leaders in their own right. They both strive for excellence, set high expectations on us all and left nothing to chance. I have learned a lot from them both and have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside them,” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“If Covid restrictions were not in place, I would not be making this decision,” he added.
Last month, head coach Ravi Shastri had also hinted that he might step down from his post after the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, slated to be held in the UAE and Oman, as he had said that “I believe one thing — never overstay your welcome.”
Shastri, who was criticised for launching his new book in London and spreading the Covid-19 virus among the Indian support staff two days before the fourth Test at The Oval during the just concluded England tour, had said: “I believe so because I’ve achieved all I wanted,” when asked whether the ICC T20 World Cup would be his last outing with Team India as chief coach.”
“Five years as No 1 (in Test cricket), to win in Australia twice, to win in England. I spoke to Michael Atherton earlier this summer and said: ‘For me, this is the ultimate — to beat Australia in Australia and win in England in Covid times.’ We lead England 2-1 and the way we played at Lord’s and the Oval was special,” Shastri had told The Guardian.
“We’ve also beaten every country in the world in their own backyard in white-ball cricket. If we win the (T20) World Cup that will be the icing on the cake. There is nothing more. I believe one thing –never overstay your welcome. And I would say that, in terms of what I wanted to get out of the side, I’ve over-achieved. To beat Australia away and to lead the series in England in a Covid year? It is the most satisfying moment of my four decades in cricket,” added he.
Along with Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar are also expected to leave.