Former Australian cricketer Justin Langer has revealed that he was intrigued by the prospect of becoming the head coach of the Indian cricket team. However, a conversation with KL Rahul, the skipper of Lucknow Super Giants and a senior member of the Indian team, made him reconsider.
During a chat on the ‘BBC Stumped’ podcast, Langer shared that Rahul warned him about the immense pressure and politics involved in coaching the Indian team. Langer, who coached Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL this season, took Rahul’s advice seriously.
Langer’s Insights
“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,” Langer recalled. “That was a good bit of advice, I guess. It would be an amazing job, but I have put myself out of contention.”
BCCI’s Search for a New Head Coach
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for the head coach position, with the deadline set for May 27, as the current coach Rahul Dravid is set to exit after the T20 World Cup.
Langer’s Coaching Journey
Langer, who coached Australia from May 2018 to February 2022, helped the team through a tumultuous period following the ball-tampering scandal. Under his guidance, Australia won their first-ever T20 World Cup and an Ashes series.
“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 explained.
BCCI’s Criteria for the Next Coach
BCCI secretary Jay Shah emphasized the importance of finding a coach with a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure. “We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks,” Shah stated. “It’s crucial that our coach has an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket framework to truly elevate Team India to the next level.”
Other Contenders and Rejections
While speculation was rife about Langer’s former teammate Ricky Ponting being approached, Ponting has ruled himself out, citing lifestyle reasons. Other high-profile coaches such as Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower have also opted out of contention.
Potential Candidates
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir is considered a top contender for the position. As the search continues, the BCCI aims to find a candidate who can navigate the complexities and pressures of leading the Indian cricket team to new heights.
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