Find another foreign coach, says Pataudi

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, universally hailed as one of India's finest captains, has come out in favour of appointing another foreigner to coach India if John Wright decides not to stay on beyond his current term.

Wright, who has been the most successful coach in the history of Indian cricket, has already made it clear that he is not inclined to accept another contract. Since Wright's current deal expires in May, the series against Pakistan is likely to be his last.

Speaking to a radio network, Pataudi made it clear that India should look outside its own shores for Wright's replacement: "I endorse a foreign coach simply because he will not be associated with the politcs a home coach could be involved with."

Pataudi made India the firm favourites to win the current series against Pakistan. With a pinch of humour he said: "We are hospitable people, but we will only give you an inch, but not the series, which we will win owing to Pakistan's inexperience." According to him, the most important factor in India's favour was their strong batting order. "The present Indian batting line-up is the best ever that has played Pakistan."