The hunt for India cricket team next head coach after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ends has hit a roadblock, with two prominent Australian contenders – Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting – taking themselves out of the running. The former is latest to decline following a pep talk from former India vice-captain KL Rahul.
Justin Langer listens to KL Rahul caution
Former Australian opener and current Lucknow Super Giants coach, Justin Langer, revealed he had conversations with LSG skipper KL Rahul about the immense pressure and complex team dynamics involved in coaching the Indian team.
KL Rahul reportedly advised Langer that the pressure and politics he might face would be far greater than anything experienced in the IPL.
What KL Rahul exactly said to Justin Langer?
Speaking on BBC’s Stumped podcast, Justin Langer shared: “You never say never. And the pressure of doing it in India… I was talking to KL Rahul [the captain at Lucknow Super Giants, where Langer is the head coach] 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.”
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Justin Langer: An Alluring but exhausting role
Langer, acknowledging the “amazing job” that coaching India would be, highlighted the all-consuming nature of the role. Having experienced the intensity of coaching Australia for four years, he expressed his reservations about taking on another such demanding position.
“It would be an amazing job, (but) I have (to put myself out of contention). 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,” he added.
Ricky Ponting: Not the Right Time
Ricky Ponting, current head coach of the Delhi Capitals, also previously declined the BCCI’s offer. He cited it not fitting into his current lifestyle, despite initial conversations to gauge his interest.
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Stephen Fleming out of race
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming is another name that has emerged, but recent comments by the CSK CEO suggest Fleming’s preference for a less demanding schedule makes him an unlikely candidate.
Who’s next for hot seat?
With these high-profile Australians opting out, the BCCI’s search for India’s next head coach continues. The intense pressure, long hours, and complex team dynamics seem to be significant deterrents for potential candidates, leaving the question open – who will be brave enough to take the reins of the Indian cricket team?
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