BCCI Denies Approaching Former Australian Cricketers
On Friday, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah refuted claims that the board had contacted any former Australian cricketers to become India’s next head coach. Shah suggested that the successor to Rahul Dravid would likely be Indian, emphasizing the need for a “deep understanding” of the game’s structure within the country.
Rahul Dravid’s Departure and Speculation on Successors
Rahul Dravid has informed the BCCI that he does not intend to continue for a third term. In response, former Australian cricketers like Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer have stated that they declined offers for this high-profile position.
In a formal statement, Shah clarified, “Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect.”
Involvement of Ponting and Langer in IPL
Both Ponting and Langer are actively involved in the IPL. I serve as head coach for Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir, currently mentoring Kolkata Knight Riders, has been considered by the BCCI for the position. Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has also been linked to the role.
The Search for the Ideal Coach
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah emphasized the importance of finding the right coach for the national team through a meticulous and thorough process. “We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks,” he stated.
Having a comprehensive knowledge of Indian domestic cricket will be a crucial criterion for appointing the next coach, Shah added, highlighting its importance in “truly elevating Team India to the next level.”
Ponting’s Perspective on the Offer
Ricky Ponting revealed that while he was approached for the role, he declined as it did not fit his current lifestyle. “I’ve seen a lot of reports about it,” Ponting told the ICC Review. “Normally these things pop up on social media before you even know about them, but there were a few little one-on-one conversations during the IPL, just to get a level of interest from me as to whether I would do it.”
Ponting expressed his passion for coaching a national team
Family’s Reaction to Ponting’s Potential Move
Ponting shared that his family was supportive of the potential move to India. “I had a whisper to my son about it, and I said, ‘Dad’s been offered the Indian coaching job’. And he said, ‘Just take it, dad, we would love to move over there for the next couple of years,'” Ponting recalled. However, he concluded that it did not align with his lifestyle at the moment.
Langer’s Take on the Offer
Justin Langer, who has remained noncommittal about applying for the India coaching role. Revealed receiving crucial advice from LSG captain KL Rahul. “It would be an amazing job. 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,” Langer said on BBC’s Stumped Podcast. He highlighted the immense pressure and politics involved in coaching the Indian team, as advised by Rahul.
Langer acknowledged the prestige of the role but indicated it was not the right time for him. “It would be an awesome job, but not for me at the moment,” he said.
The Prestige of India’s Head Coach Role
BCCI secretary Jay Shah described the position of India’s head coach as the “most prestigious job” in international cricket. Requires a high level of professionalism. “When we talk about international cricket. No role is more prestigious than that of the head coach of the Indian cricket team,” Shah remarked. “Team India commands the largest fan base globally, enjoying the support that is truly unrivaled.”
He emphasized the unique opportunity the role offers in nurturing world-class cricketers and catering to the aspirations of a billion fans. “The BCCI will pick the right candidate, capable of propelling Indian cricket forward,” Shah concluded.
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