Despite failing to reach the finals in both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, the English board is keen to retain Jos Buttler as captain. However, they are now showing interest in changing their coaching staff. In such a situation, if Sangakkara becomes the coach, he will get to work with Jos Buttler, which can prove to be effective for England. Both are associated with the Rajasthan Royals franchise in the IPL.
Under his guidance, the English captain has emerged as a key player for the Royals. Both players can do something similar for England as well. However, Kumar Sangakkara is not the only player in the race to become England’s head coach. Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey and current Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott are also contenders to become the head coach of England’s white ball team.
Interestingly, former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is reportedly unlikely to be considered for the head coach position despite speculation over his future involvement with the team. The ECB’s decision comes at a crucial juncture for English cricket.
While England’s Test team has found success under the coaching of Brendon McCullum, the white-ball team needs a new approach to regain its dominant position in the limited-overs format.