Wright writes book on Indian coaching experience

John Wright has written a book on his stint as India coach called John Wright's Indian Summers which will be launched in New Zealand on Tuesday.

"Basically, I got commissioned to write the book and I thought there was a great story here considering it was about India," Wright told Mid Day, the Mumbai-based daily. "It is an honest account of my experiences. I hope they [the Indian players] find it entertaining and positive. I really enjoyed working with them and have a lot of time for them. I thought hard about this book. I wanted to write a positive one on Indian cricket."

He's been assisted by Sharda Ugra, Deputy Editor of India Today, and New Zealand-based writer Paul Thomas. Wright, who recently indicated that he could be ready to return to coaching after a one-year break, has spoken in the book about being turned down the job in 1999. He's also talked in detail about India's selection methods and urged a change in the system. "I have never been a fan of your selection system," he writes. "I suppose I provide a perspective on some things. Whatever happens in India can be controversial because there is so much passion."

Wright was India's coach for five years during which India won a historic series against Australia in 2001 at home, won in Pakistan in 2003, drew in England in 2002 and drew in Australia in 2004. During his tenure India were also runners-up in the Champions Trophy in Nairobi in 2000 and were joint-winners of the 2002 edition. He also coached India during their World Cup campaign in 2003 when they reached the finals.