With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) set to hire a full-time coach for the team soon, plenty of names are doing the rounds, most notably of former India skipper Rahul Dravid. Ponting said Dravid will make a great candidate.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he would love to coach the Indian team, but added that he is more comfortable in his role now as coach of IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.
"I would love to coach Indian team," Ponting said here on Monday when asked about the possibility of coaching the Men in Blue. "One should never say no to opportunities. I love to coach Mumbai Indians. But then you have to make sacrifices. In IPL, you just have to give 2-3 months but coaching an international teams needs 10-11 months of the year. If I ever get an opportunity with India or Australia, I would think about it but at this time my family is my priority. I just want to be the best dad and best husband."
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) set to hire a full-time coach for the team soon, plenty of names are doing the rounds, most notably of former India skipper Rahul Dravid. Ponting said Dravid will make a great candidate.
"It's not the decision for me to make, we don't now whether BCCI is looking for an overseas coach or Indian coach. If Dravid is interested in coaching then I am sure he will do a good job.
"He will be a great candidate but it depends on what the BCCI thinks is the best fit for the Indian team and also depends on what the captain wants. Whatever Virat (Kohli) wants around the Test team, I am sure the BCCI will listen to him," Ponting added.
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The Aussie also threw his weight behind Jasprit Bumrah, who has been a revelation for India in the shorter formats of the game. Ponting said the MI pacer has the skills to play in white flannels.
"I think there are many things which should be looked for in a Test player and physical fitness is the first priority. Bumrah has the skills of becoming a Test player and the way he has come through the last four months since the Australia tour is splendid," Ponting said.
The MI coach also sounded warning bells over day-night Test cricket, saying the fabric of the game should not be tinkered too much with.
"I am a very traditional person when it comes to Test cricket. I apprehend changing the fabric of the game. One or two games in the Australian summer is fine but not the Ashes. It is traditional and the Ashes is known for its traditionalism. A day-night match has to be on the right time and at the right place," he said.
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