Simmons bids for coaching job

Simmons bids for coaching job
Associated Press / Arnulfo Franco, File

Former West Indies coach Phil Simmons is among several contenders for the post of India’s coach.

Simmons, 54, who has in recent months served as coaching consultant to Afghanistan, joins the likes of Indian Ravi Shastri and Virender Sehwag along with Australian Tom Moody and Cricket West Indies’ former director of cricket, Englishman Richard Pybus in the race for the highly regarded position.

Simmons applied during the second round of applications which was initiated by the sudden resignation of incumbent Anil Kumble.

Kumble whose one-year contract was up for renewal, resigned prior to the start of India’s ongoing tour of the Caribbean.

Kumble stood down citing an “untenable” relationship with Captain Virat Kholi.

Simmons spent just over a year in charge of the West Indies, during that time he led them to the Twenty20 World Cup title in India.

He also spent several years overseeing the Ireland and Zimbabwe teams.

Simmons has played 26 Tests and 143 One-Day Internationals for West Indies between 1987 and 1999.