BCCI Secretary Denies Approaching Former Australian Players for Head Coach Position, Emphasizes Need for Indian Expertise
Jay Shah Dismisses Rumors, Highlights Domestic Understanding as Key Criterion for New Coach
The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, denied on Friday that the Board has approached any former Australian cricket player to be the next head coach of India. However, he did imply that Rahul Dravid's replacement might be an Indian, stating that the new coach should have a "deep understanding" of the national game.
Former Australian players Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer have stated that they have rejected offers for the prominent role, despite Dravid having allegedly informed the Board that he is not interested in a third tenure.
"Neither the BCCI nor I have made a coaching offer to any former Australian cricket player. Shah released a statement saying, "The rumors that are making the rounds in some sectors of the media are totally untrue.
As the head coach of the Delhi Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants, respectively, Ponting and Langer participated in the IPL. Former batting great and World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir, who is currently coaching Kolkata Knight Riders, is said to be one of the leading candidates for the position at this time.
A thorough understanding of Indian domestic cricket would be a crucial requirement for selecting the next coach, according to the BCCI secretary. He stated that in order to "truly elevate Team India to the next level," the understanding would be essential.
"Selecting the ideal coach for our national team is an exacting and comprehensive procedure. We are looking for those who have advanced through the ranks and have a thorough understanding of the Indian cricket system," Shah stated.
The deadline for submitting employment applications is May 27 according to the BCCI.
On Thursday, Ponting made the assertion that he was asked to assume the position but turned it down because it did not fit with his current "lifestyle."
While declaring he would "never say never," Ponting's former teammate Langer also disclosed that he received important counsel from Lucknow captain KL Rahul. "You know, if you think there's politics and pressure in an IPL team, multiply that by a thousand, which is coaching India," KL Rahul said to me as we were speaking. I suppose that was a wise piece of advise, Langer told the BBC.
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