Ricky Ponting has confirmed that the BCCI approached him with an offer to become the head coach of India, but he declined, mentioning, “Gambhir, Langer, Fleming…”

Legendary Australian cricketer and Delhi Capitals’ current head coach, Ricky Ponting, disclosed that the BCCI had approached him for the role of Team India’s coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid, after the T20 World Cup in the Americas later this year. However, he expressed that it is highly improbable for him to put in an application.

“In my discussions with the ICC, I mentioned how I’ve noticed numerous reports on this,” Ponting shared. “It’s common for such news to emerge on social media even before any formal discussions, but there were a couple of discrete inquiries during the IPL, aiming to gauge my interest in the role.”

Should Ponting agree to lead as India’s head coach, he would need to sever his connections with the Delhi Capitals, a move he is unprepared to make. The extensive travel commitments associated with the Indian coaching role contributed to his hesitation.

“The prospect of being a senior coach for a national team is appealing, but considering my current lifestyle and the desire to spend more time at home… it’s well-known that engaging with the Indian squad means forfeiting any IPL involvement, which is a significant consideration for me.
“Moreover, a national head coach position demands a commitment for almost the entire year, and despite my interest, it doesn’t align with my current lifestyle preferences and the activities I cherish,” Ponting elaborated.

The hunt for India’s next head coach sees Gambhir, Langer, and Fleming as contenders.
Following Rahul Dravid’s decision not to seek reappointment after his contract extension concludes with the T20 World Cup, the BCCI began scouting for potential candidates among notable IPL figures. Dravid and his coaching staff were granted a contract extension till the T20 World Cup by the BCCI following the expiry of their original contracts last November.

Ponting emerged as a significant candidate for the BCCI, given his extensive experience in both playing and coaching roles. Other figures approached by the BCCI include Justin Langer (Lucknow Super Giants head coach), Stephen Fleming (Chennai Super Kings head coach), Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders head coach), and Mahela Jayawardene (Mumbai Indians director of cricket).

“I’ve also noticed a few other names being considered. Just yesterday, Justin Langer’s name was mentioned, and Stephen Fleming’s has been circulating as well,” Ponting remarked.
“Gautam Gambhir’s candidacy has also been speculated in recent days. However, for the reasons I’ve outlined, my involvement seems unlikely.”

The deadline for applications for India’s head coach position is May 27. Following a thorough review of the submissions, the BCCI plans to invite selected candidates for interviews with the Cricket Advisory Committee, which includes Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin Paranjape.