BCCI desperately wants Justin Langer as India head coach? LSG coach breaks silence on potentially replacing Rahul Dravid
Published - 18 May 2024, 04:20 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:11 AM
Former Australian cricketer Justin Langer shared his views on potentially becoming the next head coach of the Indian men's team. Justin Langer acknowledged the immense challenge and opportunity to win ICC titles with the Indian cricket team.
The BCCI recently invited applications for the head coach position of the Indian team. Rahul Dravid's contract ended with the ODI World Cup last year. However, Dravid and his support staff were asked to continue until this year's T20 tournament.
Justin Langer is considered a contender to replace Rahul Dravid as head coach of the Indian team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India reportedly reached out to three foreign coaches from the IPL, including Langer, Stephen Fleming, and Ricky Ponting.
The Biggest Job In Cricket - Justin Langer
During the post-match press conference, Justin Langer was asked whether BCCI has approached him for the head coach role. Langer emphasized the demanding nature of the role due to the extensive cricket schedule and high-pressure environment.
“It would almost be the biggest job in cricket — being the head coach of the Indian cricket team,” Langer said.
“One, because of the huge volume of cricket, the huge expectation. It would be a great challenge. It would be great fun and it would be a wonderful opportunity to win ICC titles,” he added.
Justin Langer has extensive coaching experience worldwide. The 53-year-old coached Australia. He has led the Perth Scorchers to multiple title wins in the Big Bash League (BBL). He recently coached the Lucknow Super Giants during the IPL 2024.
Timing Has Got To Be Right - Justin Langer
LSG head coach Justin Langer emphasized the significant pressure and workload associated with coaching the Indian team. He highlighted his coaching tenure with Australia.
“But with all these things, the timing has got to be right. I did four or so years with the Australian cricket team. It is all encompassing. It is exhausting,” said the 53-year-old.
“Rahul Dravid will probably tell you the same thing and Ravi Shastri will probably tell you the same thing. The pressure on winning for the Indian team is massive,” Langer said.
The Lucknow Super Giants defeated the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their last league match. The KL Rahul-led team finished in sixth place with 14 points and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.667. It's unlikely they will reach the playoff stage in the ongoing tournament.
The Western Australian hinted that he might not be mentally prepared to commit to the demanding schedule of coaching the Indian team, which requires around 10 months a year.
“I'm sure the next person who gets the job will be really looking forward to the project,” Langer added.
As per the latest reports in ESPNCricinfo, Gautam Gambhir, the current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has been approached by the BCCI for the India coaching role.
The deadline to submit applications is May 27. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Ashok Malhotra, Sulakshana Naik, and Jatin Paranjape.
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