Former Australia opener and Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer is “curious” about joining the Indian cricket team as head coach. When current coach Rahul Dravid’s contract ends after the Twenty20 World Cup, the position will be out for grabs. Applications for the same role were accepted by the BCCI on Monday night.

When TOI asked Langer if he would submit an application for the job, he said, “Well, I am curious.” I’ve never really thought about it. I have the highest regard for individuals who occupy such a position, despite the fact that I am aware of the demands placed on international coaches. Still, it would be a huge responsibility to captain the Indian squad. Based on my views of the kind of talent in this country, I think it would be fascinating,” he said.

Earlier, Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, acknowledged that Dravid wanted to continue leading the Indian team and said that Dravid would have to apply and go through the selection process like any other contender. However, it doesn’t seem likely. After the ODI World Cup last year, Dravid’s contract ended, and he was already in no mood to stay on. With the T20 World Cup still seven or eight months away, an extension was given to him and his whole support crew.

Shah also suggested hiring a coach from outside the country. Indian cricket players were last trained by international coach Duncan Fletcher. Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and dafabet Dravid—all well-known former players from the nation—have been India’s three full-time head coaches since he departed in 2014.

Langer is a great selection to lead India’s coaching staff.

Whether they go back to an international coach would be interesting to see after almost a decade. If Ashok Malhotra, Sulakshana Naik, and rummy all app—the members of the Cricket Advisory Committee—decide to take that route, Langer could be the best option.

Langer leaves a legacy of sorts with a record of 105 Test wickets at an average of 45 runs per game. Furthermore, he has successfully led the Australian team as their coach for more than four years, and he was a key figure in the sport’s resurgence in the wake of Sandpapergate in 2018. Under his direction, Australia also won their first-ever T20 World Cup in 2021.