Former Australian cricketer Justin Langer was enticed by the prospect of becoming Indiaâs head coach but K.L. Rahulâs word of caution regarding the âpressure and politicsâ that come with the job dissuaded him from pursuing the âamazingâ opportunity.
Langer, who served as Lucknow Super Giantsâ head coach this IPL season, recalled a chat with franchise skipper and a senior member of the Indian team Rahul.
Never say never, but…
âYou never say never. And the pressure of doing it in India… I was talking to KL (Rahul) and he said, âYou know, if you think thereâs pressure and politics in an IPL team, multiply that by a thousand… (thatâs) coaching India,â said Langer.
âThat was a good bit of advice, I guess. It would be an amazing job, (but) I have (put myself out of contention),â he added.
Before taking up the assignment with Super Giants this year, Langer had coached Australia from May 2018 to February 2022, helping the team navigate a difficult period in the aftermath of the infamous ball-tampering scandal.
Under Langerâs guidance, Australia lifted its first-ever T20 World Cup title and also went on to win the Ashes.
âI also know that itâs an all-encompassing role, and having done it for four years with the Australian team, honestly, itâs exhausting. And thatâs the Australian job!,â the 53-year-old said.
The BCCI has invited fresh applications for the head coach position, with a deadline set for May 27 as Rahul Dravid is set to exit after the T20 World Cup.