New Delhi, April. 24 (PTI): Even as the BCCI continues its search for Team India's new coach, a section of former cricketers want the board to consider Mohinder Amarnath's name for the job.

The BCCI has constituted a seven-member panel headed by Board President Sharad Pawar to find a successor to Greg Chappell. The panel comprises three former captains -- S Venkatraghavan, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri.

Australians Dav Whatmore and Tom Moody, who are currently coaching Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively have emerged as the top contenders for the job.

However, former coach Anshuman Gaekwad felt the BCCI should rather give the responsibility to an Indian as only a local would be able to understand the players' needs.

"I am not against the appointment of a foreign coach but I feel only an Indian can understand the team's needs. And among the Indians, I don't think there can be anyone better than Amarnath. He deserves a chance to coach the team," Gaekwad said.

Former cricketer Maninder Singh echoed Gaekwad's sentiments and called for Amarnath's appointment as the team's coach.

"Jimmy should be made the coach but he should be allowed to work independently. There should not be any pressure on him. On most occasions, an Indian coach has to cope with lot of pressure, that should not be the case with him.

"Secondly, if he is given the charge, then the board should give him a long tenure, like a foreign coach," he added.