![Dinesh Karthik backs Andy Flower [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1783954280753_Dinesh_Karthik.jpg?type=hq)
Dinesh Karthik backs Andy Flower [Source: AFP]
Brendon McCullum was recently sacked as head coach of the England Test side. Since then, several names have emerged as potential candidates to take over the role, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to finalize its decision in the coming weeks.
One of those contenders is former Zimbabwe cricketer and legendary coach Andy Flower, who has now received unequivocal support from seasoned Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik.
Dinesh Karthik praises RCB colleague Andy Flower
While speaking with former England cricketers and expert commentators Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, ex-Indian stumper Dinesh Karthik praised Andy Flower as the Zimbabwean legend becomes one of the leading contenders to coach England’s Test side.
Karthik even described Flower as “one of the best coaches in the world and a strong candidate” in joining the England management.
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However, the cricketer-turned-commentator admitted that he will be surprised to see if Andy Flower accepts ECB’s coaching offer for England, considering the former Zimbabwe player is already attached with the RCB franchise in the IPL.
Dinesh Karthik said “Andy is one of the best coaches in the world if not the best. Will he have time? That’s the question, I will be very surprised if the answer is yes. But if they (ECB and Flower) find a good partnership together with everything settled, then why not?”
What is Andy Flower’s coaching record
Compatible to Karthik’s claims, Flower is indeed committed to the RCB franchise at the moment in the IPL. Under his guidance, the franchise recently won back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Karthik himself is part of the Flower-led RCB team management, with the former Indian cricketer serving the franchise as its batting coach and mentor.
It is worth noting that Flower holds one of the most expansive portfolios when it comes to head coaching. Interestingly, he was also head coach of the England cricket team between 2009 and 2010.
During his time with England, the team won the 2010 T20 World Cup and also won the 2010-11 Ashes series in Australia. He guided England to another 3-0 Ashes triumph in 2013, before stepping down from the role the following year.
Since then, he has coached PSL franchises Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi, CPL’s St Lucia Zouks, ILT20’s Gulf Giants and IPL’s Punjab Kings and LSG. As of now, he continues to remain the head coach of the RCB franchise.
Who are the other candidates to replace Brendon McCullum
Andy Flower is not the only candidate currently considered to replace outbound Brendon McCullum as England’s next Test head coach. A few days ago, former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was also reportedly considered by the ECB to become England’s national coach despite holding little-to-no prior experience in that field.
A few weeks ago, former England cricketer David Lloyd urged the ECB to have a talk with India great Sachin Tendulkar for a potential gig.
As of now, Brendon McCullum is still England’s white-ball head coach, as ECB continues to find its next suitable Test coach ahead of next year’s Ashes series at home.
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