Whatmore confirmed to Ravi that he is interested in coaching India

Chittagong, May 16 (UNI) Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore today said he had a discussion with Indian cricket manager Ravi Shastri about taking up the hotseat of coaching India and has shown his interest in doing it.

Talking to UNI at the team hotel, the Sri Lankan born coach 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 if he was aware of the BCCI top brass including President Sharad Pawar and secretary Niranjan Shah coming to meet him, he said, "Yes, I have heard about it. But I have no confirmation from them yet." Asked what he thinks the Indian team needed at this present moment, he said, "I would not like to give you the details. 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 what his experience was with the Bangladeshi team, he said, "Its one that has traveled from the high notes to low." Dav, who has a fat resume as a coach taking the Sri Lankan side to world Cup victory and then Bangladesh to the super eight stage for the first time ever in the big Cup, was in contention earlier too when Greg Chappell stole the march over him.

Asked if he had rejected an offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board, he said, "I would not like to talk about that. Lets put it like we have not been talking about it so much." I am technically the Bangladesh coach till the end of May, so I cant talk non that issue any more," Whatmore signed off.

UNI