Kumar Sangakkara joins Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Andy Flower in rejecting India's Head Coach role

Former Sri Lankan captain and Rajasthan Royals (RR) coach Kumar Sangakkara has become the latest IPL coach to abstain from applying for the Indian cricket team's head coach role. Kumar Sangakkara stated that he doesn't have time to commit full-time to the head coaching position of the Indian cricket team.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for the head coach position. Current head coach Rahul Dravid is set to leave his job after the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 next month. The former Indian skipper is not interested in reapplying for another stint with the Indian cricket team.

Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) coach Justin Langer recently opted out of the India coaching job. The former Australian batters stated that they decided after being approached by the BCCI. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Andy Flower also denied applying for the role.

I Have Not Been Approached - Kumar Sangakkara

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Kumar Sangakkara clarified that he hadn't been approached by the BCCI for the India coaching role. Sangakkara stated that he is satisfied with his current position with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

"I have not been approached and I don't have time to commit full-time to an India coaching job. Happy with my stint with Royals and let's see how it goes," Sangakkara told reporters.

Kumar Sangakkara was appointed as the director of cricket for the Royals before the Indian Premier League 2021. He subsequently took over the head coach role and played a pivotal role in taking them to the IPL 2022 final. RR reached the playoffs twice in three years during his tenure as head coach.

The Sanju Samson-led team suffered a 36-run loss to SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 'Qualifier 2' in Chennai on Friday, May 24. The Jaipur-based team failed to advance to the final match despite a strong start in the IPL 2024. The Royals started the season with eight wins out of their first nine matches.

Neither I Nor THe BCCI Have an Approach - Jay Shah

BCCI secretary Jay Shah dismissed recent reports suggesting that former Australian cricketers had turned down offers to become India's next head coach. Shah emphasized the importance of finding candidates who are familiar with India's cricket structure and domestic framework.

"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," said Jay Shah.

"Finding the right coach for our national team is 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. 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," he added.

The BCCI extended the contracts of the current coaching staff until the T20 World Cup 2024. The deadline to apply for the head coach position is May 27. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin Paranjape.

Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: Sanju Samson blasted brutally for his tactical blunders vs SRH