'Biggest Job in Cricket'- Justin Langer on India's Coach seat

As soon as the Indian Premier League (IPL) concludes, the T20 World Cup will kick off. Amidst this, the cricketing world will have its eyes on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This is because the tenure of Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of India, ends right after the World Cup, and he has expressed his lack of interest in renewing his contract.

Therefore, with Dravid’s tenure ending in June following the T20 World Cup, the BCCI will be looking to appoint a new head coach for the Indian team.

Following Lucknow’s victory over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Friday, the LSG coach was asked if he was interested in becoming the head coach of the Indian team.

In response, Justin Langer said, “Being the head coach of the Indian team is certainly the biggest job in the cricketing world. Firstly, the sheer amount of cricket played and the expectations are enormous. It will be a fantastic challenge, as well as an enjoyable experience and a great opportunity to win ICC trophies.”

Langer, who took over from Darren Lehmann after the ball-tampering scandal in 2018, described coaching Australia as a challenging job. He spoke about his experience and noted that for such a high-pressure job as coaching the Indian team, the timing must be right.

Langer further stated, “With all these considerations, the timing has to be right. I worked with the Australian cricket team for over four years. It was exhausting. Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri would probably say the same – the pressure to win with the Indian team is immense. I am sure whoever takes over after Dravid will be eager to take on this project.”

The BCCI has already started its search for a new coach for the Indian team. They have issued a notification for the head coach position and listed the qualifications required. Interested candidates have been asked to apply by May 27. The BCCI aims to complete the selection process for the new coach before the World Cup ends. The list of applicants will give an indication of who might take the hot seat.

The BCCI is considering several IPL coaches and mentors for the position. According to Indian media reports, they have reached out to Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir. Additionally, board officials are rumored to have spoken with three foreign IPL coaches. These three foreign coaches are Justin Langer of Lucknow Super Giants, Ricky Ponting of Delhi Capitals, and Stephen Fleming of Chennai Super Kings.