The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Wright bids adieu to India

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Monday, Apr 18, 2005

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Wright bids adieu to India

Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI: John Wright on Sunday bid adieu to India and left open a debate on whether coach should have a say in the team selection.

During his four-plus years with the Indian cricket team, Wright was hardly involved with the selection of the team unlike his counterparts working with other countries.

"If I am in a such a position again, I might ask for a say in the team selection," said Wright. He said there are many who argue that coach should have a say. "In the near future something has to be worked out in this respect," Wright said during probably his last press conference as an Indian cricket coach. Reacting to India's dismal loss against Pakistan, Wright said that it was a tough day and not an ideal way to leave the team. "Not being able to win is sad. We had problems in the last few games but I was still pretty confident that India would pull it off," said Wright.

Chance to rethink

Asked what should be the next move, Wright said that this series loss will give the Selection Committee a chance to rethink on the reasons and put that on paper to build a stronger side.

Wright said that the fourth one-day international played in Ahmedabad was the turning point. "It was an incredible game as we posted 316 runs on the board, but still failed to convert that opportunity," he said.

"I wish India will be able to come out of the low and by 2007 will again be a formidable side for the West Indies World Cup," is what Wright wished.

Though he has made no concrete plans for the future, Wright said that he would go back home and try to put a lot of things into perspective. "I have kept a diary of what I have done during my years with the Indian team. It has been a good time and so many people here showered me with affection," he said.

"I hope there will be other challenges for me in the future," Wright contemplated but did not elaborate on it. On his impression about Indian cricket's fans, Wright said that he always felt that the passion shown by fans here was very special. "Cricket lives in their lives and they understand good part of the game," Wright said adding: "I believe they deserve good cricket from the team".

Will he be interested in the Indian cricket after going back home? Wright was spontaneous: "my son supports Indian cricket more than his home team and surely I will always follow India's performance in future also".

Asked whether he had any name for the new coach, Wright said though it was not his role to suggest any one's name, "I hope the best candidate is chosen".

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