Justin Langer, the ex-Australia opener and current head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants, is expressing interest in the head coach position for the Indian cricket team. This opportunity arises as Rahul Dravid’s tenure concludes after the T20 World Cup. The BCCI has opened applications for the position as of Monday night.
“Well, I am curious,” Langer said told TOI when asked whether he would apply for the post.
“I’ve never ever thought about it. I have deep respect for any international coach because I understand the pressure, but coaching the Indian team would be an extraordinary role. From what I’ve seen with the amount of talent I’ve seen in this country, it would be fascinating,” he added.
Previously, BCCI secretary Jay Shah emphasized that Rahul Dravid would need to apply and undergo the standard selection process if he wanted to remain the head coach of the Indian team.
However, it appears improbable as Dravid wasn’t inclined to continue when his contract expired after the ODI World Cup last year. Given that the T20 World Cup was imminent within seven to eight months, Dravid and his entire support staff were granted an extension.
Shah also suggested the potential of bringing in a coach from abroad. The most recent foreign coach in Indian cricket was Duncan Fletcher. Following his departure in 2014, India has had three successive full-time head coaches, all prominent former Indian cricketers: Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid.
Langer emerges as a formidable contender for the position of India’s head coach
It would be intriguing to observe whether they opt for an international coach after more than a decade. If the Cricket Advisory Committee, consisting of Ashok Malhotra, Sulakshana Naik, and Jatin Paranjape, decides to explore that avenue, then Langer could emerge as the prime candidate.
Langer boasts a distinguished career with 105 Tests, amassing 7696 runs at an average of 45. Additionally, he has effectively coached the Australian team for nearly four years, playing a pivotal role in the resurgence of Australian cricket post the Sandpapergate scandal in 2018.
During his tenure, Australia also secured their inaugural T20 World Cup victory in 2021. Langer’s coaching experience extends to guiding LSG, an IPL franchise.
In his debut season as head coach of an IPL team, Langer’s performance has been varied. While LSG remains in contention for playoff qualification, inquiries have surfaced regarding the team’s strategy.
“When you’re a player, you have control. You take absolute responsibility for your performance. The only thing that’s out of your control is selection, or what the media writes or what people think of you.”
“You focus only on watching the ball. If you make runs, the only currency of value is runs. And If you make runs, you get selected. If you get selected, you get a contract,” Langer said about his debut season as LSG’s head coach.
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