Cricket

Michael Hussey, the former Australian left-handed opener, has expressed his disinterest in becoming the head coach of the India men's cricket team. Hussey, who recently served as an assistant coach with the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024, cited the demanding nature of the role and his desire for a balanced lifestyle as reasons for his decision."They play more cricket than probably anyone in the world really, they're literally going from tour to tour to tour," Hussey said. "So that would be a pretty challenging sort of role where you'd have to be there, boots on the ground. You're probably only getting the IPL off, which is eight to 10 weeks, but then the rest of the year you're going to be pretty much on the go."Hussey also acknowledged the high regard in which Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain and current head coach of the Chennai Super Kings, is held in India. However, he believes that Fleming is unlikely to entertain the idea of coaching India due to his own preference for a balanced lifestyle."It just goes to show how highly regarded he is on the world stage but particularly in India," Hussey said. "But I don't think he'd entertain the idea, he loves the balance as well. He probably finds it a little bit amusing that his name keeps coming up, but pretty honoured that he's in the mix."India has a history of appointing overseas head coaches, including John Wright (New Zealand), Greg Chappell (Australia), Gary Kirsten (South Africa), and Duncan Fletcher (Zimbabwe). However, Chappell believes that the demanding nature of the role may deter many potential candidates."I'm not sure many want to do 10 months on the road, especially if they can do media work," Chappell said. "It's almost a no-win role."Kumar Sangakkara, the director of cricket for the Rajasthan Royals and former Sri Lanka captain, has also ruled himself out of contention for the India head coach job."I have not been approached, and I don't have time to commit full-time to an India coaching job," Sangakkara said. "Happy with my stint with Royals, and let's see how it goes."

Gautam Gambhir, the former India opener and current mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a potential frontrunner for the vacant head coach position of the Indian cricket team. BCCI secretary Jay Shah's recent statement that the board is seeking individuals with a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure has fueled speculation about Gambhir's candidacy.Gambhir's lack of formal coaching experience is not seen as a deterrent, as his reputation for plain speaking and his ability to empower players are considered valuable assets. As captain of KKR, he revived the team's fortunes, leading them to two IPL titles in four years.Sources close to the development indicate that Gambhir has not yet received a formal proposal from the BCCI, but he is reportedly open to considering the role. His success with KKR this season, where the team topped the table and is favored to win the final, has further enhanced his credentials.Gambhir's philosophy as a leader emphasizes rewarding small contributions and fostering a sense of empowerment among players. He has consistently recognized the contributions of lesser-known players, such as Venkatesh Iyer and Harshit Rana, alongside the team's star performers.One of Gambhir's notable strengths as a captain was his willingness to take bold decisions. In the 2012 IPL final, he dropped Brendon McCullum to include Manvinder Bisla, a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Similarly, as KKR mentor, he invested heavily in Mitchell Starc, who played a crucial role in the team's Qualifier 1 victory.Gambhir's potential appointment as head coach would bring a fresh perspective to the Indian team. His emphasis on empowering players, recognizing small contributions, and making bold decisions could help the team overcome its recent challenges and achieve greater success.

Justin Langer Withdraws from India Head Coach Race After KL Rahul's AdviceFormer Australian head coach Justin Langer has withdrawn his name from contention for the India head coach position, citing the immense pressure and commitment involved. Langer's decision came after a conversation with Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul, who advised him that coaching Team India is a far more demanding task than managing an IPL franchise."It would be an amazing job, [but] I have [put myself out of contention]," Langer said on BBC's Stumped podcast. "I also know that it's an all-encompassing role, and having done it for four years with the Australian team, honestly, it's exhausting. And that's the Australian job!"Rahul's words resonated with Langer, who acknowledged the intense scrutiny and political dynamics that come with coaching the Indian team. "I was talking to KL Rahul and he said, 'You know, if you think there's pressure and politics in an IPL team, multiply that by a thousand, [that's] coaching India. That was a good bit of advice, I guess," Langer said.Langer's withdrawal follows similar decisions by other high-profile candidates, including Australian legend Ricky Ponting and New Zealand great Stephen Fleming. The deadline for applications for the India head coach job closes on May 27, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the successful candidate soon after.Langer's decision highlights the demanding nature of coaching international cricket teams, particularly in high-pressure environments like India. The Indian team is one of the most followed and scrutinized in the world, and the head coach is expected to navigate a complex landscape of expectations, media attention, and political interference.While Langer may have withdrawn from the race, his experience and insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring coaches. The importance of understanding the unique challenges and pressures of coaching at the international level cannot be overstated.

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has revealed that he was approached to become India's next head coach. However, despite expressing interest in the role, Ponting has stated that it is an "unlikely" option for him at present due to the significant time commitment it would require.Ponting, who is currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and a television commentator in Australia, said that he has ambitions to coach a national team in the future. However, he emphasized that the timing is not right for him to take on the India job, given his other commitments."I'd love to be a senior coach of a national team, but with the other things that I have in my life and wanting to have a bit of time at home…everyone knows if you take a job working with the Indian team you can't be involved in an IPL team, so it would take that out of it as well," Ponting explained.He added that the role of a national head coach requires a significant time commitment, which does not align with his current lifestyle. "Also, a national head coach is a 10 or 11-month of the year job, and as much as I'd like to do it, it just doesn't fit into my lifestyle right now and the things that I really enjoy doing," Ponting said.Despite his initial reluctance, Ponting did leave the door slightly open to the possibility of taking on the India job in the future. He revealed that his young son, Fletcher, had expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of moving to India."My family and my kids have spent the last five weeks over at the IPL with me and they come over every year and I had a whisper to my son about it, and I said, 'Dad's been offered the Indian coaching job' and he said, 'Just take it dad, we would love to move over there for the next couple of years,'" Ponting said.However, Ponting emphasized that his current lifestyle and commitments make it unlikely that he will accept the India job at this time. He is currently the head of strategy at Hobart Hurricanes in Australia's Big Bash League and the head coach of Washington Freedom in the MLC tournament in the United States.The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications for the India head coach role, which will cover all three formats of the game for a period of three and a half years, starting from July 2024.

The search for India's next cricket team head coach has intensified, with Rahul Dravid confirming his departure. Among the potential candidates, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a strong contender, garnering support from legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram.Akram believes Gambhir possesses the ideal qualities for the role, citing his intelligence, straightforwardness, and aggression. He emphasized that Gambhir's bluntness and willingness to speak his mind, while not always aligned with Indian cricket culture, would bring a much-needed edge to the team.Gambhir's track record as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) further strengthens his case. Under his guidance, KKR has secured a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs, showcasing his ability to lead and inspire a team.Gambhir's previous success as KKR captain, guiding them to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, further demonstrates his leadership capabilities. His ability to motivate and extract the best from his players would be invaluable to the Indian team.While Gambhir's appointment would undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of aggression to the team, it remains to be seen whether he will accept the role. The time-consuming nature of the job and his personal commitments may influence his decision.

The Indian cricket team's head coach position is set to become vacant after the 2024 T20 World Cup, and speculation is rife about who will succeed Rahul Dravid. The BCCI has already released an advertisement for the post, with the deadline for applications set for May 27.Among the names being touted as potential candidates are Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir, in particular, has been approached by the BCCI, according to ESPN Cricinfo. However, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Gambhir's suitability for the role, given his strict coaching style.Chopra believes that Gambhir's approach may not be well-received by senior players in the team. "Gautam Gambhir - the coach, very strong personality. When there is a transition, a new captain is coming, then yes. However, if the team has a lot of seniors already, I will be a little wary because Gauti's style of working is almost like a strict father," Chopra said."When you have very senior players in the team, you are looking for a big brother who keeps his hand on their shoulders and doesn't try to impose himself. With Gautam that's not going to happen. It's very simple with him. My way or the high way. When it's 'my way' then every time, especially when seniors are there, things may not always fall your way. You can do that with young players. That is what I feel."Gambhir has never coached at the domestic level, but he has been the mentor for IPL sides Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. He has guided both teams to the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to build and manage a team.As a player, Gambhir was a key member of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. He played pivotal roles in both tournament finals, showcasing his leadership qualities and ability to perform under pressure.Whether Gambhir's coaching style is suitable for the Indian team remains to be seen. However, his experience as a player and his success as a mentor suggest that he has the potential to be a successful head coach.

The search for India's next head coach has intensified, with the BCCI receiving applications for the position that will be vacated by Rahul Dravid on June 30, 2024. While names like Gautam Gambhir have been circulating, reliable sources have confirmed that Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lankan captain, has not applied nor been approached for the role.Jayawardene, who has guided Mumbai Indians to three IPL titles, is currently the franchise's global head of performance, overseeing coaching and scouting for MI's teams in various T20 leagues worldwide. He has also served as a consultant for the Sri Lankan men's team during their recent World Cup campaigns.Another potential candidate, Justin Langer, has ruled himself out of contention. The former Australia head coach, who led the team to a T20 World Cup title in 2021, cited the demanding nature of the role and the need for the right timing."It would be a great challenge, but the timing has got to be right," Langer said. "The pressure on winning for the Indian team is massive."The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications, and the new head coach is expected to be appointed for a three-year period from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. The successful candidate will be tasked with guiding India through the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. According to ESPNcricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached Gambhir to gauge his interest in the position.Gambhir, 42, has no prior experience as a coach at the international or domestic level. However, he has been involved in coaching roles at two IPL franchises. He served as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 and 2023, guiding them to the playoffs in both seasons. He then joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their mentor for the 2024 season, where they finished the league stage at the top of the points table.Gambhir's move to KKR was unexpected, but it is believed that he was persuaded by the franchise's principal owner, Shah Rukh Khan. Gambhir was a key member of India's T20 World Cup-winning team in 2007 and the ODI World Cup-winning team in 2011. He also captained KKR for seven IPL seasons from 2011 to 2017, leading them to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.Dravid, who has been India's head coach since 2021, has informed the BCCI that he will not seek another term. The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications for the head coach position, a day after the IPL final.If appointed, Gambhir will be tasked with leading India to success in all three formats of the game. India will be aiming to win the T20 World Cup in 2024, the ODI World Cup in 2027, and the Test Championship in 2025.

India's head coach Rahul Dravid's future with the national team remains uncertain as his contract expires in June. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Dravid will have to reapply for the position if he wishes to continue beyond the T20 World Cup next month. The new appointment will be for a three-year term.Dravid's initial two-year contract was extended along with his support staff after the 50-overs World Cup last year. However, reports suggest that Dravid is reluctant to extend his stay as head coach beyond June.BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that the board will invite applications for the head coach position in the coming days. He emphasized that the BCCI is seeking a long-term coach for a three-year period.Shah also addressed the possibility of having different coaches for different formats, but noted that there is no precedent for this in Indian cricket. He added that the decision ultimately rests with the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).The CAC, comprising Jatin Paranjape, Ashok Malhotra, and Sulakshana Naik, will be responsible for selecting the new head coach. Shah indicated that even a foreign coach could be considered based on the CAC's recommendations.Meanwhile, the BCCI is expected to fill the vacant post of one national selector soon. Shah confirmed that interviews have already taken place and an announcement will be made shortly.Regarding the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairmanship, Shah remained non-committal on whether he would run for the position. He stated that he is focused on his role with the BCCI.