Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
The position of India's head coach has been one of the most talked about topics in world cricket over the course of the last few months. After it had been confirmed that Ravi Shastri is set to step down from his position after the 2021 T20 World Cup, many former cricketers had been linked with the high-profile vacancy.
From the likes of Tom Moody to Mahela Jayawardene, there were quite a lot of big names who were speculated to take over the role as India's head coach going forward. However, in the end, it was Rahul Dravid who got the job which delighted all the Indian lovers. But it seems like it would not have happened had another former captain accepted the job.
Ponting explains why he is reluctant to coach national sides
Former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting recently revealed that although he would love to be the head coach of a national side (Australia or even India), he is reluctant to accept the job because of the hectic schedule and various terms and conditions that come alongside this high-profile position.
"I had a couple of conversations with some people during the IPL about it (the head coach position). The people I spoke to were pretty hell-bent to find a way to make it work. The first thing I said was 'I can't give that much time, that means I can't coach in the IPL, I’ll have to give up [Channel] 7 stuff in the summer, it just can’t work',” he said while speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast.
I’m surprised that Dravid took the job: Ponting
Notably, one of the main reasons behind Ponting not going ahead with the pursuit was the fact that he would have had to spend more than 300 days with Team India (away from his family). It would have been rather difficult for the Aussie to manage considering he has three young kids aged 7, 11 and 13, respectively.
The 46-year-old also went on to admit that he was surprised by the fact that Rahul Dravid actually accepted the job. “I’m surprised that Dravid has taken it up as well. There was a lot of chat about how happy he was in the Under-19 role he had. I’m not sure about his family life but I’m sure he has got young kids. So I’m surprised that he took it,” Ponting added.