Sandeep Patil takes charge of India A

Sandeep Patil, Kenya's former coach, was today given charge of the India A team amid speculation he will eventually take over the senior team from John Wright. Patil, who opted to leave Kenya after masterminding their surprise run into the semi-finals during the World Cup, will manage India A on a six-week tour of England starting next month.

Patil, 47, was a member of India's World Cup-winning squad in 1983 and has already had a stint as the national coach when he was in charge for a few months in 1996 before being dumped. However, his new role with India A only five weeks after quitting his job with Kenya is thought to be the first step towards becoming the senior coach after Wright's contract ends next March.

Patil said he was not surprised at being rehabilitated in India so soon after leaving Kenya. "I was in regular touch with Indian Cricket Board President, Jagmohan Dalmiya, and had conveyed to him my intention to work with the Indian players." He added: "I would have been happy even if I had been given charge of the under-19 team."

Patil then played down speculation of replacing Wright as national coach: "I am not looking at the senior job yet. Besides, John has been doing a wonderful job with the national team and I would love to interact with him." The India A team, who will play matches against English counties and one game against the touring South Africans during their tour, will be led by Shiv Sunder Das.