‘I’m sure the next person who gets the job will be really looking forward to project’ – Justin Langer opts out of race for head coach of Team India

Justin Langer (as Australia coach)( Source : Aussies )

The role of head coach for Team India is one of the most prestigious positions in the cricketing world, given the team’s rich history and immense following. Leading a team with such a legacy and global fanbase is both a significant honour and responsibility.

Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach will end following the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid took over from Ravi Shastri after India’s unexpected early exit from the 2021 tournament, a result that alarmed fans and prompted significant changes. His appointment aimed to bolster the team’s performance and address the shortcomings highlighted by the 2021 exit.

Recently, the BCCI invited new applications for the post of head coach as Rahul Dravid’s tenure wraps up in June after the T20 World Cup.

Following reports suggesting he might seek the position, head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants, Justin Langer, dodged questions regarding his interest in becoming India’s next men’s team head coach. Post LSG’s 18-run victory against the Mumbai Indians which marked the end of LSG’s IPL 2024 campaign, Langer emphasized the significance of the role, noting the extensive cricketing commitments and the weight of expectations associated with it. However, he also stated that it would be a great challenge and would be great fun and a wonderful opportunity to win ICC titles. Conversely, Langer expressed enthusiasm about the potential opportunity, describing it as an exciting challenge and a chance to pursue the ultimate goal of winning ICC titles.

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“It would almost be the biggest job in cricket – being the head coach of the Indian cricket team. One, because of the huge volume of cricket, the huge expectation. It would be a great challenge. It would be great fun and it would be a wonderful opportunity to win ICC titles,” remarked Langer after LSG’s final game of the season against MI on Friday, May 17.

Although not explicitly stated, Langer’s comments hinted at his reluctance to be considered for the role, hinting at his unwillingness to be in contention for it.

“I’m sure the next person who gets the job will be really looking forward to the project,” added Langer.

The pressure on winning for the Indian team is massive: Langer

Langer, who coached Australia from 2018 to 2022, highlighted the critical factor of timing, acknowledging the intensive and gruelling demands of the role, which requires careful deliberation and strategic decision-making. He suggested with conviction that former Indian team coaches, Dravid and Shastri, would probably concur and validate his stance. Moreover, he highlighted that the magnitude of pressure and the demand for achieving outcomes were substantial for anyone affiliated with the Indian Cricket Team.

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“But with all these things, the timing has got to be right. I did four or so years with the Australian cricket team. It is all encompassing. It is exhausting. Rahul Dravid will probably tell you the same thing and Ravi Shastri will probably tell you the same thing. The pressure on winning for the Indian team is massive,” concluded Langer.