As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invites applications for the role of Team India’s head coach, former Australian coach Justin Langer says, he is “curious” about it. The head coach’s seat will be vacant in Indian cricket after incumbent Rahul Dravid completes his extended tenure at the conclusion of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
The BCCI, on Monday, officially forwarded the development to invite fresh applications for the role.
“We will call for applicants in the next few days. Rahul Dravid’s tenure is coming to an end. If he wants to reapply, he can,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah told select media on Thursday. “We are looking for a long-term coach, for three years.”
Notably, Rahul Dravid was roped into Team India for the head coach’s role by the BCCI back in November 2021, initially, for a two-year period. The contract had expired after the last ODI World Cup, which was held in India, however, due to the impending T20 World Cup 2024, the cricket board extended the contract for a year.
Now with the completion of the T20 World Cup 2024 in June, Rahul Dravid will have to step down from his head coach’s chair, unless he wishes to reapply.
Meanwhile, Justin Langer, who is one of the potential candidates for the role, said, though, he has never thought about it, but he is curious.
“Well, I am curious,” Langer said told TOI when asked whether he would apply for the post. “I’ve never ever thought about it. I have deep respect for any international coach because I understand the pressure, but coaching the Indian team would be an extraordinary role. From what I’ve seen with the amount of talent I’ve seen in this country, it would be fascinating,” he added.
Currently, Langer is involved with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as the head coach of the team. The KL Rahul-led LSG has done decently so far, although, they are yet to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. Prior to this appointment of his, Langer was Australia’s full-time coach, under whom Australia lifted its maiden T20 World Cup title in 2021.
Langer is credited for reviving Australian cricket following the infamous sandpaper gate scandal in 2018. However, he quit the role citing “bull**** politics” within the Cricket Australia (CA).
Meanwhile, Team India last had the services of an overseas coach close to a decade ago. Former Zimbabwe cricketer Dunken Fletcher held the head coach’s role in the Indian side between 2011 and 2015. He was later replaced by Anil Kumble.