AB de Villiers open to future coaching as BCCI searches for new India head coach

Indian cricket is on the brink of a significant transition as head coach Rahul Dravid is set to step down after the ICC T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean. 

With Dravid's departure imminent, the BCCI has begun soliciting applications for the head coach position, sparking considerable interest and speculation about his successor.

Among the early favorites for the prestigious role were legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting and Chennai Super Kings' head coach Stephen Fleming. 

However, Ponting, currently leading Delhi Capitals in the IPL, confirmed on Thursday that he had declined the offer from the BCCI. Similarly, former Australian head coach Justin Langer and Royal Challengers Bengaluru's manager Andy Flower have also withdrawn their names from consideration.

As the BCCI's search continues, another high-profile name has surfaced - South African cricket great AB de Villiers. When asked about his interest in the coaching role, de Villiers shared his thoughts.

"I absolutely have no idea. I do think I'll enjoy coaching. I think there's certain elements I won't enjoy as much, which I will have to learn. With time, anything is possible, and I can think on my feet and learn as I move on," De Villiers said.

De Villiers further reflected on his potential coaching career.

"But I think there are elements of a coaching job that I'll enjoy a lot. Things that I've learned over the years, the maturity that I've got now at the age of 40, looking back, a lot of things look a lot clearer when I look back at my career. So those kinds of learnings could be valuable for some younger players, even some senior players," he further added.

While de Villiers isn't expected to join the coaching race this season, he hasn't ruled out the possibility in the future. 

I would love to work with some players and some teams in that regard. As a full-time head coach, that's not something that comes to mind as of yet. It's not something that really appeals to me now. But as I said, never say never. Down the line, things might change," he concluded.