Kumar Sangakkara, Michael Hussey become latest to turn down role of India head coach

Kumar Sangakkara ruled out the possibility of applying for the role of head coach of the Indian team, saying he “didn’t have the time” to commit to the hectic job while adding that he was happy to occupy a similar position with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Speaking to reporters following Royals’ 36-run loss at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024, former Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara revealed that while he hadn’t been approached by the BCCI for the role, he wasn’t looking to apply for it anytime soon.

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“I have not been approached and I don’t have time to commit full-time to an India coaching job. Happy with my stint with Royals and let’s see how it goes,” the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, who has also served as Director of Cricket with the Royals, said after Qualifier 2 on Friday.

Sangakkara is the latest to shy away from the post that is set to become vacant after the conclusion of India’s campaign in the T20 World Cup, with current head coach Rahul Dravid unlikely to continue despite the fact that he can reapply.

Former Australia batter Michael Hussey on Saturday stated joining Team India as their new head coach “wasn’t really on his radar”.

“Certainly as a full-time international coach, it’s not something at this stage of my life that I’m that keen on.

“Out of playing, and even now, it’s not really on my radar, and I’m enjoying the balance of being able to coach as an assistant or head coach and then doing a bit of media as well,” Hussey, who currently serves as batting coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

Hussey’s former Australian teammates Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who serve as head coach of the Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants respectively, have also decided against applying for the role. While ex-opener Langer had described the prospect of coaching India as “exhausting” , ex-Australia captain Ponting said the job “wouldn’t fit into his present lifestyle” .

BCCI secretary Jay Shah, however, recently clarified that the board hasn’t approached any former Australian cricketer in their hunt for Dravid’s successor as India head coach. The BCCI have reportedly approached Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir for the job so far, with National Cricket Academy (NCA) Director VVS Laxman another strong contender for the role.

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Dravid’s contract was originally supposed to end after the conclusion of last year’s ODI World Cup, and the former India captain’s contract had been extended till the T20 World Cup afte the Men in Blue’s solid run in the tournament, in which the finished runners-up.