Warne open to Indian coaching role

While Shastri is one of the favourites to take over as head coach, Warne says he would never say never to a coaching role with the Indian team.

Sydney: Australia cricket great Shane Warne is interested on the Indian coaching role. Warne said he has not rule himself out of the national role but would have to find time in his busy schedule The announcement of India’s next head coach is to be announced in a few weeks time and former Australia spinner says, he would love to work with the Indian side. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC)- an advisory group to the BCCI comprised of legends Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly - has been tasked with selecting India’s next coach and are likely to meet in the coming weeks. India haven’t had a head coach since Duncan Fletcher’s contract expired following the 50-over World Cup last year, with team director Ravi Shastri taking a senior role among the backroom staff.

While Shastri is one of the favourites to take over as head coach, Warne says he would never say never to a coaching role with the Indian team. “I would love to work with the Indian team,” the 46-year-old said at a Monarch Cruise event with Tendulkar and Brett Lee. “They are a very talented, wonderful team to work for.

“There’s a lot of pressure (working with them). There are about a billion-plus people supporting the Indian cricket team. If you make a mistake you cop it. I have copped it plenty of times on many different things.

“I’ve never said never in my life to anything. I’ve always been open to anything so when it comes to coaching India, coaching an IPL (Indian Premier League) team - coaching England, maybe not,” he added. While Warne said he would not immediately turn down a coaching role, he admitted something would have to give in his busy schedule. Warne will this year continue to juggle commentary duties around the world, playing poker, sponsorship work as well as the Cricket All Stars concept that he started last year with Tendulkar.

“So after all this there’s not many days left,” Warne said. “If I’m to put myself in the ring to coach India or any other team, it means other things will be left out.

“(If) an opportunity presents itself, I will always weigh it up.

“If you can’t give your 100 per cent to whatever it may be you (are) better off saying no. “But if that opportunity came … what I like to do is everything else stops and you take up that opportunity, whatever it may be.” Source: cricket.com.au