Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has emphatically refuted any suggestion that the board has reached out to former Australian cricketers regarding the prestigious position of India’s head coach.
Amidst rumors swirling about former Australian cricketers, including Ricky Ponting, being tapped for the head coach position with the Indian cricket team, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, has dismissed these claims.
This clarification follows recent assertions made by Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting, claiming they were approached for the coaching role. Langer, currently coaching the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL, disclosed that he had declined an offer to coach the Indian team but didn’t specify who approached him.
Similarly, Ponting, who leads the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL, mentioned having discussions about becoming India’s head coach but cited lifestyle reasons for declining. Shah refuted these reports, emphasizing that such speculation is unfounded and shouldn’t be given credence.
“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. 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. Our coach must have an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket framework to truly elevate Team India to the next level,” he said in a statement.
The Board seems to be sticking to its usual practice, showing a preference for an Indian coach. Currently, they’re eyeing Gautam Gambhir as a potential replacement for Rahul Dravid in the top position. However, there’s also a question of whether VVS Laxman might be persuaded to take on the role if Gambhir decides not to apply.
“When we talk about international cricket, no role is more prestigious than that of the Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Team India commands the largest fan base globally, enjoying truly unrivaled support. Our rich history and passion for the game make this one of the most lucrative jobs in the world,” Shah added.
“The role demands a high level of professionalism as one gets to nurture some of the best cricketers in the world and an assembly line of talented cricketers to follow. Catering to the aspirations of a billion fans is a huge honor and the BCCI will pick the right candidate, capable of propelling Indian cricket forward,” Jay Shah concluded.
Rahul Dravid, the current head coach, has announced that his tenure will conclude following the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, set to take place in the West Indies and USA. Dravid further disclosed that he won’t be seeking a reapplication for this significant position. The deadline for submitting applications for the job is May 27th.
