Justin Langer says no to the India coaching job and takes advice from KL Rahul.

Summary: Justin Langer refuses the India coaching job, reveals the reason, and has a conversation with Indian cricketer and LSG skipper KL Rahul.

Former Australia coach Justin Langer said coaching India would be an ‘awesome job’ but has ruled himself out of consideration for the high-pressure position. Langer recalled a conversation with KL Rahul during IPL 2024, saying the LSG captain gave him valuable advice on the complexities of the role, which included 'pressure and politics'.

Earlier in May, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) issued an invitation to apply for the position of head coach of the senior national men's team. With Rahul Dravid's tenure ending in June 2024, the board is looking for applicants for the position, which would last 3.5 years. 

After BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that the board was willing to hire an overseas coach, various names have been linked to the job. The board also has overseas player Stephen Flaming, coach of CSK; Ricky Ponting, Delhi head coach; and Tom Moody.

Justin Langer told BBC’s stumped podcast, "It would be an awesome job, but not for me at the moment. I also understand that it is an all-encompassing responsibility, and after four years with the Australian squad, I can honestly say that it is exhausting. And that's the Australian job," he added.

Justin Langer led Australia for four years, guiding the team through a challenging period following the Sandpaper Gate controversy. Australia won the Ashes and ended their long quest for the T20 World Cup championship thanks to Langer's strong leadership approach.

When asked if he would ever coach a national team again, Langer replied, "You never say never. And the strain of doing it in India—I was talking to KL Rahul, and he said, 'You know, if you think there's pressure and politics in an IPL squad, magnify it by a thousand, coaching India'. That was some decent advice, I suppose.