After the nod, Dav prescribes positive attitude for Team India

Chittagong, May 17 (UNI) After a successful initial discussion with Indian cricket manager Ravi Shastri on taking up the job of coaching Rahul Dravid's boys, Dav Whatmore said the need of the hour in the Indian dressing room is positive attitude and a feeling of reassurance.

Talking to UNI, Whatmore, who is largely tipped to take over as the coach of India, said, ''I had a short discussion with Ravi Shastri about taking up the job of coaching India and I have said in the affirmative.'' ''The discussion was basically to know how interested I am and we both were satisfied,'' Dav added without willing to divulge the details of the discussion.

Asked what he thinks the Indian team needed at this present moment, he said, ''I will not give out to the public what the Indian team needs at this moment before talking to the BCCI. It should be between the employer and the employee. But I think what we need is positive attitude and a reassurance among the boys.'' On how would he handle the stars of the Indian team, ''It's a question of man-management and how far one wants to take ones career forward and I have to deal with them individually if and when the time comes. Ravi Shastri has already said that the boys have a few years' cricket in them....so lets see.'' Asked how would he like to compare the era of John Wright to that of Greg Chappell when India has hit the rock bottom, he said, ''I am not the type to compare and contrast others and their achievements and failures. All I can say I am ready for the challenge if the opportunity comes. I am as much ready to sink my teeth into problems and find out a solution as the BCCI would want me to.'' Dav, who played for Victoria state and learnt coaching for four years in the Victoria Institute for Sports, when asked on his transition into such a successful coach, said, ''That is what made the difference in my coaching. I have learnt a lot in those four years and the education has really helped me become whatever I am today.'' On to something he has always been guarded in replying, Whatmore, when quizzed on the Pakistan cricket Board offer, said, ''Lets not talk about it. Lets say nothing happened. Pakistan would be an interesting proposition, but as of now I am still the Bangladesh coach.'' The six-member Indian selection committee, led by BCCI President Sharad Pawar and Secretary Niranjan Shah, is reportedly due to arrive here on May 19 to hold talks with Whatmore and finalise the deal.

MORE UNI