• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 05/24/2024
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With Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team set to conclude after the ICC T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking his successor. The role has attracted speculation around several high-profile names, including former cricket legends and experienced coaches.

High-Profile Candidates Decline

Among the prominent names linked with the position were Australian cricket greats Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, as well as Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming. However, Ponting, who currently coaches Delhi Capitals in the IPL, confirmed that he had declined the offer. Similarly, Langer and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Andy Flower have also ruled themselves out of contention.

In this context, legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers was asked about his interest in possibly taking up the role. De Villiers, who retired from international cricket in 2018 and IPL in 2021, has not actively pursued a full-time coaching career but remains open to the idea in the future.

“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 told News18. He added, “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.”

De Villiers expressed that while the idea of being a full-time head coach doesn’t appeal to him at present, he wouldn’t rule it out entirely for the future. “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 remarked.

BCCI’s Clarification

Adding clarity to the ongoing speculations, BCCI secretary Jay Shah emphasised the board’s meticulous approach in selecting a new head coach. Shah denied reports that the BCCI had approached any former Australian cricketer for the role. “Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect. Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process,” Shah stated in a BCCI release.

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He further elaborated on the criteria for the new coach, emphasising the importance of understanding the Indian cricket structure. “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,” Shah added.

While AB de Villiers remains a potential candidate for a coaching role in the future, the BCCI continues its search for a new head coach with a focus on finding someone well-versed in the nuances of Indian cricket. The decision will be pivotal for the team’s future performance, especially with significant tournaments on the horizon.