"It's not really on my radar": Michael Hussey on Team India's head coach role

Michael Hussey. Pic/PTI

Former Australia batsman Michael Hussey became the Aussie to rule himself out of the contention list for the role of Team India's next head coach. After knowing that Rahul Dravid who is not keen to continue as India's head coach after the T20 World Cup 2024, a few Australians were linked to the job namely, Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer. Later, the veterans claimed that they rejected the offers for the "Men in Blue" head coach and also Board of Control for Cricket in India declined that no Australians were approached for the role.

Also Read: IN PHOTOS | IPL 2024 Final, SRH vs KKR: Clash between the Knights and the Risers

"Certainly as a full-time international coach, it's not something at this stage of my life that I'm that keen on," Michael Hussey, who is the batting coach of IPL team Chennai Super Kings, was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald. "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." Apart from the role in IPL, Hussey is also the head coach of Welsh Fire in The Hundred. He is also a commentator for Fox Cricket during the Australia home summer. "They play more cricket than probably anyone in the world really, they're literally going from tour to tour to tour. So, that would be a pretty challenging sort of role where you'd have to be there, boots on the ground," he said.

"You're probably only getting the IPL off, which is eight to 10 weeks, but then the rest of the year, you're going to be pretty much on the go." Earlier, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had asserted that they have not approached any Australian cricketer for the role. "Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect. "Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks," Shah had clarified in a statement.

Along with Australians, former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara was also asked about the same. The veteran opened up on the same saying, "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," said Sangakkara, who is playing the Director of Cricket role with Rajasthan Royals.

(With PTI Inputs)