John Buchanan said no to India offer

It was an ‘indirect’ approach, but the ex-Aussie coach keeps options open

John Buchanan has turned down a potentially lucrative approach from India, but the outgoing Australian mentor has not entirely ruled out a return to international coaching in the future.

Buchanan confirmed that he was “indirectly” approached before leaving for the World Cup by Indian officials, who were keen to gauge his interest in succeeding Greg Chappell as their coach after the World Cup. But after almost eight years at the helm of Australia, Buchanan was not immediately ready for another international assignment and, accordingly, did not follow up the Indian approach. Still, the veteran coach said he would retain an open mind regarding overseas opportunities.

“There was some indirect contact from India,” Buchanan was quoted as saying by The Age today. “But at the moment I am looking for new challenges as a mentor coach, and speaking to Cricket Australia and the Australian Sports Commission about that, as well as a move into corporate coaching.

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“Yes, there is still some interest. But, and it’s a big but, it would be very much dependent upon my family.”

“I really want to be around for that period of (my children’s) schooling. But that probably takes me to my late-50s, and if I would like to specifically be involved in the game, maybe I’ll have passed my use-by date by then.”

I don’t know anything about such an approach: Shah

Mumbai: BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah today feigned ignorance over a reported ‘indirect’ approach to John Buchanan to take over the reins of the Indian team. “I don’t know anything about any such approach having been made. This is the first time I am hearing about it,” Shah said. (PTI)