Virender Sehwag would prefer IPL coaching role over Team India, here is why?

Sehwag prefers IPL franchise coaching over Team India role

The Indian cricket team has appointed Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach following Rahul Dravid's tenure, which concluded with a victorious T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. Although Gambhir lacks experience coaching state or Ranji teams, he has performed admirably as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders over the past three years. Gambhir's path to the role was relatively clear, with only WV Raman as his competition. Despite various names being suggested for the position vacated by Dravid, most candidates were not interested. Former India star Virender Sehwag explained why.

Using his own experience as an example, Sehwag expressed his lack of interest in the head coach role but showed openness to a similar position with an IPL franchise.

“Not with the Indian cricket team, but if the IPL presents me with a coaching opportunity, I can surely have a look at it. If I become India's head coach, then I'll have to return to the same routine which I went through for 15 years. Playing for the Indian team requires you to stay on the road 8-9 months a year. My kids are 14 and 16, and they need me. Both play cricket for Delhi. One is an opening batter and the other an off-spinner. I need to help them with cricket and spend time. If I become the India head coach, staying away from them would be my biggest challenge. I will not be able to give time to my children. But yes, if there is a coach or mentor role available in the IPL, I can take it up,” Sehwag said in a chat with Amar Ujala.

Additionally, there has been speculation about Rahul Dravid potentially returning to his former franchise, the Rajasthan Royals, as a mentor for the IPL 2025 season. Given that the IPL lasts only 2-3 months each year, retired players can manage their time for the T20 tournament, unlike the Indian team role, which demands around 10 months of commitment annually.