Amid intense scrutiny of England’s men’s cricket team following their disappointing performance in the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia, speculation has grown around the future of head coach Brendon McCullum — and, unexpectedly, Ravi Shastri’s name has been floated as a potential successor.
Background: England’s Coaching Turmoil
England’s Ashes campaign has been troubled, with the team trailing Australia 0-3 in the five-match series. The aggressive “Bazball” approach introduced by McCullum and captain Ben Stokes has come under fire as results deteriorated on tough Australian pitches. That slump has triggered questions about McCullum’s leadership and whether a fresh direction might be needed.
McCullum himself has admitted that his future isn’t entirely in his own hands and emphasized his commitment to learning from recent setbacks, but decisions about his role will ultimately be taken by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Why Shastri’s Name Is Being Mentioned
Ravi Shastri, a former India head coach, has been mentioned by some former players and pundits as a possible candidate — not because the ECB has officially pursued him, but because some voices believe his experience could benefit England in difficult overseas conditions.
• Monty Panesar, a former England spinner, publicly suggested that Shastri’s coaching experience and past success — including leading India to historic Test series wins in Australia — could make him a strong choice to rejuvenate England’s team.
• Supporters of the idea point to his tactical knowledge of playing in Australia and ability to instil discipline in touring sides.
However, it’s important to stress that this is currently speculation and commentary from individuals, not confirmed negotiations or an official approach by the ECB. There has been no formal announcement that Shastri is in talks to replace McCullum.
What’s Next?
England’s performance in the remaining Ashes matches, and the ECB’s evaluation of McCullum’s future, will likely determine how serious coaching change discussions become. If the team continues to struggle, pressure may grow for a shake-up. But as of now:
Brendon McCullum remains head coach and has expressed a desire to stay in the job.
Ravi Shastri is being mentioned as a potential candidate by some commentators and former players, rather than through official channels.
In summary, while the idea of Shastri taking over has generated buzz in cricket circles, it remains speculative and no formal move has been reported. The coming weeks — and England’s results — will be key in shaping the coaching conversation.