'Coach should understand our culture'

Mumbai, June 7: As India's hunt for cricket's new chief coach gathers momentum, limited overs skipper Mahendra singh Dhoni, who has worked with quite a number of coaches during his decade-long career, on Tuesday said the candidate must understand the country's sporting culture.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last week advertised for the post of head coach and set June 10 as the deadline for receiving applications.

Dhoni has worked with the likes of Lalchand Rajput, Australian Greg Chappell, South African Gary Kirsten, Zimbabwean Duncan Fletcher during his career before teaming up with former India skipper Ravi Shastri, who was the team director till the World T20 in April.

With the BCCI eyeing a candidate with knowledge of Hindi as a desirable criteria, the Ranchi stumper stood by the board, saying the new coach should understand the country's culture.

"Hindi can be a criteria but not the only criteria. Language is not a concern, a coach should understand our culture," Dhoni said while addressing a press conference before the limited overs tour to Zimbabwe.

Selection committee chairman Sandip Patil and Ravi Shastri have already thrown their hats into the ring, which promises to be an exciting challenge for the board-appointed panel to choose the next India coach. IANS