Langer, who previously coached Australia, informed the BBC that he is not ready to take on another international coaching role
Following in the footsteps of Ricky Ponting and Andy Flower, former opener Justin Langer has also put himself out of contention for India's next head coach job after consulting with Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul.
Langer, who previously coached Australia, informed the BBC that he is not ready to take on another international coaching role.
“It would be an amazing job, [but] I have [put myself out of contention]. 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!” Langer stated on the BBC's Stumped podcast.
When asked if he might consider the position in the future, Langer replied, “You never say never. And the pressure of doing it in India… 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, 53, stepped down from his role with Australia in 2022 amid reported dissatisfaction with his leadership style, despite successes in winning the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. This season, he has taken on the role of head coach for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
“It would be an awesome job, but not for me at the moment,” Langer concluded.
Earlier, Andy Flower made it clear that he has no intention of applying for the position of head coach for the Indian cricket team.
"I haven't applied. I won't be applying. I am happy with my involvement in the franchise game at the moment," Flower said.
"It's intriguing work, and I am fortunate to collaborate with some fantastic organizations, which I am thoroughly enjoying right now," he further added.
Similarly, Ricky Ponting has also withdrawn from the list of potential candidates for the Indian head coach position. Ponting, who coached Delhi Capitals during IPL 2024, revealed that he had discussed the possibility during the tournament. Nonetheless, he has declined the opportunity, citing the incompatibility with his current lifestyle and the inability to continue his IPL involvement if he were to take on a full-time coaching role with the Indian team.
It is worth noting that the BCCI's invitation for applications came as Rahul Dravid's tenure is set to end following the T20 World Cup in June.