Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is likely to throw his hat in the ring to become the next head coach of the Indian cricket team. As per a report in Cricketnext, the former Kiwi coach is ‘very much interested’ in applying for the job.
“Hesson is very much interested in applying for the head coach’s position. He has spent a couple of months in India already working with Kings XI in IPL as well as doing television work with the hosts broadcasters. He’ll love to work with a high-profile team like India after a highly successful stint with New Zealand,” a source told Cricketnext.
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The 44-year-old was named as the coach of New Zealand cricket team in 2012. He had replaced former India coach John Wright in the job. His stint with New Zealand was a successful one but just a year ahead of World Cup 2019, he delivered a big surprise by resigning. New Zealand board advertised for the position and Gary Stead replaced him.
Hesson holds one of the rare achievements of coaching a national team without even playing first-class cricket. Russell Domingo, former coach of South Africa, also did not play first-class cricket.
Despite not playing the game at a higher level, Hesson is eligible to apply for the post as he coached New Zealand for six years. It remains to be seen if he joins the race to become India’s coach.
After leaving his job at New Zealand, he took over as head coach of Kings XI Punjab for IPL 2019. Should Hesson be appointed as head coach of the Indian cricket team, he will have to leave his job at KXIP as per the rules. Hesson is a regular visitor to India as he is one of the experts on Star Sports.
After leaving his job last year, Hesson has had a number of stints with Star Sports. Prior to resigning as New Zealand’s coach as well, Hesson was in India for commentary duties during IPL 2018.
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While nothing has been confirmed, Hesson will become the first contender to apply for the head coach post. No other former player or coach has applied for this position.
Although Jonty Rhodes has applied for the post of fielding coach of the Indian cricket team. Considered to be the best fielder of his time, Rhodes will give a tough competition to present fielding coach R Sridhar. Rhodes performed the same role with Mumbai Indians for nine years.
Apart from him, J Arun Kumar has applied for batting coach post. The former Karnataka batsman and coach has also been part of Kings XI Punjab’s backroom staff. The last day to apply for the various positions is July 30.