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| Justin Langer : File |
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer's name has been circulating in cricketing circles ever since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invited applications for the Indian cricket team's head coach position. Current coach Rahul Dravid has reportedly indicated that he will not continue after his extended contract ends post the T20 World Cup. Dravid and his entire support staff were asked to continue until this year's T20 mega event despite their contracts concluding with the ODI World Cup at home last year.
With VVS Laxman reluctant to take responsibility for the senior team, and the BCCI not wanting to disrupt the functioning of the National Cricket Academy, the board has reportedly contacted three foreign coaches from the IPL. Langer is one of them, along with Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming and Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting.
When asked multiple times about his aspirations to become India head coach, Langer, who coached LSG during this IPL season, acknowledged the significance of the role. "It would almost be the biggest job in cricket — being the head coach of the Indian cricket team," Langer said when asked if the Indian board had approached him for the position.
"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," Langer told the media at the Wankhede Stadium after Lucknow Super Giants beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in their last IPL match of the season.
Langer also highlighted the immense pressure and workload that come with being the India coach, noting that it hasn't been long since he held a similar role 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,” he added. Langer hinted that he might not be mentally ready to commit 10 months a year for the job. “I'm sure the next person who gets the job will be really looking forward to the project,” he concluded.
Gambhir in the Race
Apart from Langer, Ponting, and Fleming, former India opener Gautam Gambhir's name has also been discussed. According to the latest reports from ESPNCricinfo, Gambhir, the current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has been approached by BCCI to take up the India coaching role.
The deadline to submit applications closes on May 27. Thereafter, the shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview by BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Ashok Malhotra, Sulakshana Naik, and Jatin Paranjape.
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