I’d do it in a heartbeat – Graeme Swann shows interest to take India’s head coach role

While the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Justin Langer, and Ricky Ponting have distanced themselves from taking India’s head coach role, former England spinner Graeme Swann said he would be interested if he is offered the role. 

Swann is currently part of the commentary panel for the Indian Premier League. Earlier it was reported that coaches like Ricky Ponting, Stephen Fleming, Gautam Gambhir, and Justin Langer have been linked with India’s head coach role. However, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that the Indian board hasn’t approached Ponting and Langer.

“If India asked me to become their coach, I’d do it in a heartbeat! I love this place,” Swann told Sports Tak.

Meanwhile, Swann reckons former England coach Andy Flower could do a wonderful job for India. Flower recently led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the IPL playoffs after the franchise managed a single win in first eight games.

“Andy was an incredible coach for England when I played. He took us to No. 1 in the world and was the best coach I’ve played under. India would be lucky to have him,” Swann said.

Swann added that coaching India is a challenging job as one is always under the microscope because of the lofty expectations and pressure.

“India… you’ve got such a strong squad, such highly talented players, that whoever gets the job… it will be the biggest coaching job in world cricket these days. Whoever gets it, hope they bring success because they are really under the microscope,” he concluded.

Andy Flower recently confirmed that he won’t be applying for India’s head coach role.

Flower told reporters after RCB’s loss in the Eliminator against RR, “I haven’t applied. I won’t be applying. I’m happy with my involvement in the franchise game at the moment. I’m really enjoying it. It’s fascinating stuff and I’m working with some amazing organizations so I’m really happy with that at the moment.”