Ponting is the current head coach of DC
Ponting confirmed he was approached by the BCCI for the role of the Indian head coach

Legendary Australian batter Ricky Ponting has confirmed that the BCCI offered him to replace Rahul Dravid as the coach of the Indian national team after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 this year. However, Ponting stated that it is highly unlikely that he would apply for the position.

“I’ve seen numerous reports about this matter. While such things often surface online before I’m even aware of them, there were a few private discussions during the IPL to know my interest of potentially getting involved,” he told the ICC.

Ponting is reluctant to take on the role of India’s head coach, as it would require him to break his contract with the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise, which he is unwilling to do. Additionally, the extensive global travel demands of the Indian coaching position have made the former Australia captain hesitant about accepting the opportunity.

“While I’d relish the opportunity to coach a national team, the demands of that role would conflict with the other priorities in my life, like wanting to spend more time at home. As everyone knows, if you take a job with the Indian team, you are unavailable for an IPL team. Being a national head coach is a demanding 10- or 11-month-long job. While I would love to take on that role, it simply doesn’t align with my current lifestyle and the activities I enjoy,” he continued.

Ricky Ponting’s extensive experience both as a player and coach made him one of the top candidates. Additionally, the BCCI also approached several other high-profile names, including Justin Langer (Lucknow Super Giants head coach), Stephen Fleming (Chennai Super Kings head coach), Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders mentor), and Mahela Jayawardene (Mumbai Indians director of cricket).

“A few more names have also been mentioned. Justin Langer, whose name was brought up yesterday, as well as Stephen Fleming and Gautam Gambhir, who have been discussed in the past few days. However, based on the reasons I’ve outlined, I believe it is unlikely that I would be go for the role,” he further added.

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