The BCCI on Monday (May 13) invited fresh applications for the post of head coach for the senior Indian men's team.

Rahul Dravid is currently serving as the chief coach and his term expires after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA next month.

With multiple reports suggesting that Dravid is unlikely to re-apply, it seems likely that the Indian team will have a new coach at the helm post the T20 World Cup 2024.

Former Australia coach Justin Langer could very well be one of the many contenders for the high-profile post. The 53-year-old is currently associated with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as head coach in the IPL 2024.

Speaking to TOI, Langer said coaching the Indian cricket team was not something he ever thought about, but is ‘curious’ regarding the same.

“Well, I am curious. I’ve never ever thought about it. I have deep respect for any international coach because I understand the pressure, but coaching the Indian team would be an extraordinary role. From what I’ve seen with the amount of talent I’ve seen in this country, it would be fascinating,” Langer stated.

The former Australia opener also talked about the pressure that come with coaching an international team.

“I went straight from playing to coaching – as an assistant coach, which is the best coach job in the world. You work about two hours a day, everyone’s your best friend, and you’ve got no accountability. Then you become head coach, oh man, then you work about 16 hours a day. No one likes you. And you’ve got 100% accountability!

“I took a break from coaching for two and a half years for the first time in my life (after the Australia stint). I had to do my writing, my speaking, I did my board roles. I had complete control. It’s like being a batsman, again, there’s freedom in that,” he added.

Justin Langer served as the Australia men’s team head coach for nearly four years. He was appointed to the job the aftermath of the ball-tempering scandal in 2018.

During his tenure, Australia lost two home Test series to India but lifted the T20 World Cup trophy in 2021 and retained two Ashes series. Australia also claimed the No.1 ranking in Tests and T20Is under his guidance.