NEW DELHI: Former Zimbabwean cricketer Andy Flower has said that he has no intention of applying for the post of head coach of the Indian cricket team.
Following his team’s exit from the IPL playoffs, the Royal Challenger Bengaluru coach confirmed his decision in a press conference.
“I didn’t apply. I’m not going to apply. I’m happy to be in the franchise game now,” he said.
“It’s an exciting job and I’m lucky to work with some amazing organizations that I love today,” she says.
Similarly, Ricky Ponting was also removed from the list of potential Indian head coaches. Ponting, who has been training in Delhi for IPL 2024, revealed that he discussed the possibility during the tournament. However, he turned down the opportunity saying that it was not suitable for his current lifestyle and he would not be able to continue his IPL engagement if he took up a full-time coaching role with the Indian team.
It may be noted that BCCI’s invitation for applications will conclude Rahul Dravid’s tenure after the T20 World Cup in June.
Australian great Ricky Ponting has been named India’s head coach, but the 49-year-old has said he is not in the running to replace Rahul Dravid.
The Indian Cricket Board has advertised for the job when Dravid’s contract expires at the end of the T20 World Cup next month and the former Indian captain does not want to continue with the job.
Ponting has been the head coach of the Delhi franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2018, and was previously Australia’s T20 coach on an interim basis.
“I want to be the head coach of my national team, but with other things in my life and I want to spend time at home…
Ponting said being the head coach of the national team requires 10-11 months away a year, which “doesn’t suit my current lifestyle”.
Few other IPL coaches are considered one of the most demanding roles in the game.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who coaches Kolkata Knight Riders, is a strong contender who guided the franchise to the final of the 10-team league this season.
Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer and Chennai Super Kings counterpart Stephen Fleming have also been linked to the case by Indian media, powerful figures.
Ponting said his son had taken the plunge and temporarily moved to cricket-mad India.
