New Delhi: As the rumours around the post of Indian men’s team head coach intensify, former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has come out and quashed all rumours of him joining the same. Ponting confirmed that even though BCCI had approached him to replace Dravid right after the T20 World Cup, it is unlikely that he would be applying.
RICKY PONTING CONFIRMS HE WAS APPROACHED BY THE BCCI FOR THE HEAD COACH POST. 🇮🇳
– Ponting has declined the offer as he doesn’t want to stay away from his family. pic.twitter.com/N42iddMWNC
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 23, 2024
Ponting told the ICC that he is aware of the various rumours and gossip that is floating in the media. He further added, “Normally, these things pop up on social media before you even know about them, but there were a few little one-on-one conversations during the IPL…”
If KKR wins the IPL, then BCCI will do everything to convince Gautam Gambhir to be the head coach. pic.twitter.com/tw6YYmfLoZ
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 22, 2024
If Ponting decides to change his mind and join the national side, the former Australian cricketer would have to leave DC. So far, the 49-year-old is a little doubtful for a full-time commitment with the national side. Ponting knows a full-time commitment with the Indian squad means travelling to various parts of the world as well as a long commitment of 10-11 months. The former Australian skipper believes that such a rigorous commitment does not adhere to the lifestyle that he is currently leading.
Gautham Gambir Would be the Headcoach of ICT Under Rohit’s Captaincy, Bring it On @BCCI 🔥pic.twitter.com/Y9YSw8Br95
— AdityaVarma (@AdityaVarma45_) May 23, 2024
If not Ponting, then Who?
The million-dollar question that is in everybody’s mind is if not Ponting then who can fill in the shoes of Rahul Dravid? Dravid who was appointed the head coach of India in 2021, is set to step down from the coaching roles along with the entire support staff. BCCI has already given them a contract extension after their contract expired in November 2023. However, the former Indian skipper has shown no interest in continuing after the T20 World Cup.
BCCI interested in these candidates for the post of Team India’s Head Coach!🇮🇳🏏
[According to TOI] pic.twitter.com/cfpVW0L3As
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) May 22, 2024
BCCI has come up with some exciting and promising names like Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, Gautam Gambhir, and Mahela Jayawardene. However, no concrete decision has been taken so far on behalf of the authorities. The last date for filling out the application is May 27, post which a committee comprising Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape will review and interview the suitable candidates.
