The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has kickstarted the search for the next head coach of the senior national men’s team. With Rahul Dravid‘s tenure set to conclude in June 2024, the board is actively soliciting applications for the role, which is expected to span approximately three years. Following recent remarks by BCCI secretary Jay Shah indicating a willingness to consider overseas candidates, speculation has swirled regarding potential successors.

Key candidates for the India’s head coach job

Amid the mix of names floated, Justin Langer stands out prominently. Langer, who most recently guided the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, boasts significant coaching experience, having previously guided the Australian national team for a four-year stint. His tenure saw Australia navigate through turbulent times post-Sandpaper Gate, reclaiming the Ashes and clinching the T20 World Cup 2021. Alongside Langer, notable contenders such as Gautam Gambhir, Ricky Ponting and Stephen Fleming have also surfaced in discussions.

Also READ: Aussie legend Ricky Ponting reveals reason behind turning down the offer of becoming Team India’s head coach

Justin Langer’s stance

Despite being touted as a potential candidate, Langer recently addressed speculation regarding his interest in coaching the Indian cricket team. During an appearance on BBC’s Stumped podcast, Langer revealed his reluctance to undertake such a pivotal responsibility at present. However, his subsequent comments sparked controversy within the cricketing fraternity.

“It would be an amazing job, (but) I have (ruled myself out). I also know that it’s an all-encompassing role, and having done it for four years with the Australian team, honestly, it’s exhausting. And that’s the Australian job,” Langer said.

KL Rahul’s advice

Langer also recounted a conversation with KL Rahul, captain of the LSG, shedding light on the challenges associated with coaching the Indian team. Rahul, according to Langer, emphasized the immense pressure and political intricacies inherent in the role, surpassing even the demands of the IPL. These insights from Rahul provided a sobering perspective on the realities of the Indian coaching role, prompting introspection on Langer’s part.

“You never say never. And the pressure of doing it in India… I was talking to KL Rahul, and he said, ‘You know, if you think there’s pressure and politics in an IPL team, multiply that by a thousand. (That’s) coaching India. That was a good bit of advice, I guess. It would be an awesome job, but not for me at the moment,” Langer concluded.

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