Hussey not ready to coach India

Sydney, Jan 2: Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey says he is mystified by a report in India that claimed Mahendra Singh Dhoni has floated the idea of him becoming India’s coach once Duncan Fletcher’s contract expires.

“I’m not sure if I’m really ready for that sort of challenge,” Hussey was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday night.

“Thanks, M.S., if it’s true...but, I’m still playing!”

Dhoni, who retired from Test cricket after last Tuesday’s draw with Australia, was reportedly concerned about the direction the dressing room’s culture was headed. “In a carefully calibrated way, Dhoni’s intent and communication about Hussey has reached the top BCCI boss, and nobody else is privy to this,” the report claimed.

The article said Hussey was seen by Dhoni as: A “brilliant thinker and man mager”; he’d bring Gary Kirsten–like “calmness and camaraderie” on board; Hussey was seen as the “brain” behind Murali Vijay’s success in Australia because he’d worked with him; his “work ethic” was legendary.

Hussey, veteran of 79 Tests, said his immediate priority was to help the Sydney Thunder fulfil its vast potential.

Zimbabwe–born Fletcher took over from Gary Kirsten after India won the 2011 World Cup. Despite enjoying success with England, however, Fletcher was yet to lift the Indian team to greater heights when they toured. His contract expires after this year’s World Cup. IANS