BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Friday quashed the reports suggesting that the board has offered the Team India head coach role to multiple World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting and former Australia head coach Justin Langer.

Shah clarified that the next coach for Team India could be an Indian with a deep understanding of the structure of the game in the country. After it was clarified that the current India head coach Rahul Dravid will not apply for a third stint, former Australian players Ponting and Langer claimed that they turned down approaches for the position.

“Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer,” Shah said in a statement. “The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect.”

Ponting and Langer have most recently been involved in IPL duties. While Ponting coached the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024, Langer has been involved with Lucknow Super Giants.

Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has been approached by the BCCI for the coaching role while Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming has also been linked to the role.

“Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process,” Shah said. “We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks.”