New Delhi: Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has revealed that he was approached for the soon-to-be-vacant India head coach position. However, he declined the offer, citing that it does not align with his current lifestyle.
Ponting, who recently completed seven seasons as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals IPL franchise, has previously served as Australia’s interim T20 coach. He did not specify whether the approach for the India position came directly from the BCCI.
“There were a few one-on-one conversations during the IPL to gauge my interest,” Ponting told the ICC. “While I’d love to be a senior coach of a national team, it doesn’t fit into my lifestyle at the moment. The role with the Indian team would also preclude involvement in the IPL, which is a significant consideration.”
He elaborated, “A national head coach position is a 10 or 11-month commitment each year. As much as I’d like to take on the role, it doesn’t align with my current lifestyle and the things I enjoy doing.”
Ponting mentioned that he discussed the offer with his family, and his son was enthusiastic about the possibility of moving to India. “My family and kids have spent the last five weeks at the IPL with me, and they join me every year. I mentioned the offer to my son, and he said, ‘Just take it, Dad, we would love to move there for the next couple of years,'” Ponting shared. “They love the cricket culture in India, but right now, it doesn’t fit into my lifestyle.”
Other high-profile names such as Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming, Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer, and Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir have also been mentioned as potential candidates for the position that Rahul Dravid will vacate after India’s T20 World Cup campaign next month. The BCCI has set May 27 as the deadline for submitting applications.
“I’ve seen a few other names being considered. Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, and Gautam Gambhir have all been mentioned,” Ponting noted. “Given my reasons, it’s unlikely I will take up the position.”
