The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has categorically denied making any ‘coaching offer’ to Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer. This denial comes a day after reports surfaced quoting the Australians. Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, stated, “Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer.” Shah also indicated that the next India coach, who will succeed Rahul Dravid, is likely to be an Indian.

BCCI refuses coaching offers to Ponting and Langer

Many media outlets had reported that Ponting, Langer, and Stephen Fleming were being considered for the role, as incumbent coach Rahul Dravid has decided not to continue after the Twenty20 World Cup next month. Ponting, in an interview with ICC Review, mentioned, “There were a few little one-on-one conversations during the IPL, just to get a level of interest from me as to whether I would do it.” He also added that his family was trying to persuade him to take up the job.

“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. It’s crucial that our coach has an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket framework to truly elevate Team India to the next level,” the BCCI secretary said.

Next India coach expected to be an Indian, says BCCI secretary Jay Shah

Justin Langer also mentioned being sounded out by the BCCI and revealed discussing the matter with KL Rahul, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants, the IPL team he coaches. When asked about his interest in the India job after a game in Mumbai, Langer remained non-committal.

“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 support that is truly unrivalled,” Shah said.

“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 honour and the BCCI will pick the right candidate, capable of propelling Indian cricket forward,” the BCCI secretary added.

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The BCCI has advertised for the position, with the deadline for applications set for May 28. Many Indian names are being speculated, with Gautam Gambhir being a serious contender. The search for a new coach is heating up as the BCCI looks to find a successor for Rahul Dravid, ensuring the team’s preparation for upcoming challenges remains on track.