MAKING IT CLEAR: Whatmore revealed that he had had discussions with the BCCI officials but has not heard from them since then. — PHOTO: AP

DHAKA: "I am not India's coach. It is mere speculation.'' Dav Whatmore was categorical in his statement here on Monday, putting to rest all debate concerning his next assignment.

The Australian, who finished his four-year tenure as Bangladesh coach, insisted nothing had been finalised. Whatmore was reacting to reports that he had been offered a one-year contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with a clause that it could be extended by two years later based on the team's performance.

No final word

"I have had discussions with the BCCI officials (in Chittagong) where I told them I was interested but that's all there is to it. I have not heard from them since," stressed Whatmore. The new coach for India is to be picked on June 4 by a seven-member committee.

Ravi Shastri, coach for the series in Bangladesh, said on Sunday that he was not in a position to extend his association with the team due to media commitments.

Whatmore, however, reiterated his interest in coaching India.

"I am very interested. It will be a logical extension to bigger challenges. It will help to accumulate more knowledge of the game I love so much,'' said the Australian, who played seven Tests.

Interestingly, all four sub-continent teams are on the lookout for a new coach.

Tom Moody ended his term with Sri Lanka while Bob Woolmer died after Pakistan's exit from the World Cup. Greg Chappell too quit the job with India following the team's inglorious exit in the first round.

Whatmore served Bangladesh for four years in which the team recorded its lone Test win beating Zimbabwe at home apart from creditable one-day wins over India, Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

"I was with Bangladesh for four years and they wanted me to continue. But a coach has a shelf life. One needs a different challenge after a few years. It is the right time to move."

On his experience of coaching in the sub-continent, Whatmore said it was different from England and Australia. "One has to keep in mind that the culture (in the sub-continent) is fundamentally different. The key lies always in effective communication. But what never changes is the fact that players make a coach. They go out there and bat and bowl and take catches.

"As a coach one can only guide and create a happy environment. A coach has to remember that what works well for one does not necessarily work for the other.''

Whatmore was also supportive of the idea that the players need to have a say.

"A coach's job is always evolving. There is lot of emotion involved and lot of patience too. I have always said that the captain is the boss but others around him have their own responsibility.''

He was all praise for the Australian system but differed with the current rage among the countries to emulate its success.

"I appreciate Australia's success but you don't have to transport the system necessarily. The very fabric of cricket will not change by adopting a system; you can always tweak it a little but you can't change the style.''

Keeping the doors open

The Australian, rated one of the quality coaches in world cricket, insisted, ``I am leaving Bangladesh but the doors are always open. When I go to India it will not be with eyes shut. My eyes are wide open and I am aware of what happened (under Greg Chappell).

A team must have superstars, especially in a country like India where cricket is very big. Superstars are needed to motivate youngsters.''

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