Former India Cricketer Not Keen On Applying For Team India Head Coach Job: Report

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on the lookout for a new head coach for the men's cricket team as Rahul Dravid's term is set to end after the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite the option to re-apply, Dravid has shown a preference to step down to spend more time with his family.

Unlike other cricketing nations that split coaching duties based on the game format, BCCI plans to maintain a single head coach due to the overlapping player roster across formats. This decision has led to the exploration of candidates both from within India and internationally.

Among the speculated names, former Australian cricketer Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting have emerged as strong contenders. Ponting, currently with the Delhi Capitals, has already engaged in discussions with BCCI officials regarding the role.

Despite his interest, the rigorous ten-month schedule, coupled with his recent appointment as head coach for Washington Freedom in the upcoming Major League Cricket season in the US, complicates his availability.

Other notable figures in consideration include ex-Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, now back with Kolkata Knight Riders, and Ashish Nehra, who has expressed willingness to take up the Indian team's coaching mantle. Nehra's track record with Gujarat Titans, achieving an IPL win and a runner-up finish, highlights his coaching capabilities.

As per a report from Sportstar, speculation arose that VVS Laxman, leading the National Cricket Academy, was among the top contenders to follow Dravid as the next head coach of the national men's cricket team. However, the report suggests that the cricketer from Hyderabad is unlikely to vie for the coveted position.

Laxman pulling himself away from the job reduces the pool of internal candidates. This opens up the field to other IPL coaches and mentors, with BCCI actively engaging with several prospects to fill the prestigious position.

Sanjay Jagdale, the former BCCI secretary, who served on the Cricket Advisory Committee alongside luminaries such as Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Sourav Ganguly in the capacity of chief coordinator, advocates for distinct coaches catering to the nuances of red and white-ball cricket formats. Jagdale's remarks were quoted by Cricblogger. "Cricket has changed a lot and will change further. It is time to have two different coaches for India.”

The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications, signalling the urgency in appointing a successor who can lead the team across a demanding international schedule, starting with a five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe shortly after the T20 World Cup.