The former left-handed opener for Australia, Michael Hussey, stated that he is not excited about leading the India men’s team at this time in his life.
The BCCI said that it was accepting applicants till May 27th to fill the position of top job now held by Rahul Dravid. The appointment of the next head coach of India would take place during the term of July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. Secretary Jay Shah refuted rumors that Australian coaches were considered for the position.
Hussey just finished working as the Chennai Super Kings’ assistant coach in the 2024 Indian Premier League. In addition, he is the head coach of Welsh Fire in The Hundred and a Fox Cricket pundit during Australia’s home summer.
They are essentially traveling from tour to tour, playing more cricket than anyone else in the world. Therefore, you would need to be present in person for that kind of function, which would be rather tough. You will most likely only have eight or ten weeks free during the IPL, but the remainder of the year you will be constantly busy.
“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. I love that balance and still spending some time at home. You’d always like more time at home, but the bucket is pretty full at the moment,” said Hussey to ‘The Sydney Morning Herald’.
When asked about the many mentions of Stephen Fleming as a possible contender for India’s head coach, Hussey responded, “It just goes to show how highly regarded he is on the world stage but particularly in India.” However, I doubt he would consider it because he also adores balance. He’s probably a little amused that his name keeps popping up, but he also feels honored to be included.
India’s past foreign head coaches included Duncan Fletcher (Zimbabwe), who guided the team to the 2013 Champions Trophy victory, Greg Chappell (Australia), Gary Kirsten (South Africa), and John Wright (New Zealand), who guided the team to the 2011 ODI World Cup win on home soil.
Chappell believes that many people who want to balance their coaching and broadcasting careers won’t be happy with the rigorous requirements of the head coach position. Chappell led India during a turbulent spell from 2005 to 2007. “I wonder how many people want to travel for ten months, especially if they can work in the media. It’s practically a losing role.
After the Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2024 campaign came to an end in Qualifier 2 at Chennai, where they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 36 runs, their director of cricket and former captain of Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara, declared himself out of the running for the top position.
“I haven’t received any approaches, and I can’t dedicate my time to a full-time coaching position in India. Happy that I’ve been a Royal.