As expected, the performance of the various teams have resulted in a major shake-up in most of the team setups, especially with respect to the coaches and captains of the international teams. The teams have already started playing in the next series, without taking any time off. It does not justify Sri Lanka to start another ODI series as soon as the World Cup formalities were completed. No wonder the stalwarts like Vaas and Murali opted out (though Murali was honing his bowling skills in the County circuit).
India had the biggest sensation, with the resignation of Greg Chappell and his support team. There was an exit-interview arranged between the outgoing coach and a panel consisting of ex-skippers (Kapil Dev, Sunny Gavaskar, Venkataraghavan). There is still no clear coach selected until now, though this will change in the coming weeks. Dave Whatmore seems to be the front-runner in the race for Indian coach. Rahul Dravid managed to retain his position as the national captain by a whisker.
Dave Whatmore's reign as Bangladesh's coach came to an end by April-end, though it was extended by the Indian tour. The World-Cup winning coach (with Sri Lanka) has done a great job with the Bangladesh cricket. There is confidence within the Bangla team members that they can beat the bigger teams, especially in the ODIs. They need to work on their play in test matches. There is no clear favorite for this post, so far. Habibul Bashar has also been retained as the captain, just because the rest of the players are relatively newcomers - but he cannot continue for long.
Tom Moody's tenure with the Sri Lankans will finish after the ODI series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. He has enriched his CV by taking the SriLankan team from the depths all the way to the finals of the World Cup. His planning and strategy has enabled a good mix of old and youth, in the team composition. There is no news on whom the SriLankans are planning to appoint as the new coach.
Pakistan is also on the search of a new coach, with a care-taker coach handling matters in the current series. The case of Bob Woolmer doesnt seem to be ending anytime soon. Its very tragic to see that this issue is being handled as a comedy of sorts. One day there are reports in the media saying that he died by natural causes, whereas the next day there are other reports saying that he was murdered. What happened to all those video tapes that the police were supposed to trace? No one knows. Is there a cover-up? Probably. Inzamam-ul-Haq retired as Pakistan cricket and the new captain appointed was Shoaib Malik, of all people - even though people like Abdul Razzaq, Mohd. Yousuf, Shahid Afridi expressed their intentions to be the captain. How long Shoaib will stay as captain is anyone's guess. Who will opt for the position of Pakistan's coach is also another question mark.
Australia's coach, Buchanan, had a farewell only few can dream of. But, with achievements like the Champions Trophy win, Ashes Win and the hat-trick of World Cup wins, he thoroughly deserves it. What will the new coach do, without Shane Warne and Glen Mcgrath, is another question - though there is enough support strength in the team to take care.
England's Duncan Fletcher bid farewell to his adopted country after a disappointing end to the World Cup campaign. There is a care-taker in-charge here also, which seems to be the norm with many countries.
John Bracewell, of New Zealand, has not mentioned anything about his plans so far. Looks like he will decide in conjunction with the Board. Stephen Fleming has resigned as the captain, meanwhile - his successor is also not determined so far.
Bennett King of West Indies also has decided to hang up his boots, whereas Micky Arthur and Greame Smith's contract was renewed by the South African Board.
Brian Lara, Glenn Mcgrath, Inzamam-ul-Haq (in ODI), Anil Kumble (in ODI), announced their retirements - bringing an end their illustrious careers.
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