"Don't See The Need For Overseas Coaches": Ex-India Star's Explosive Take

A team like India, which doesn't have players competing round the year in T20 leagues across the globe, doesn't need two separate coaches for the limited overs and Test format, feels former England spinner Graeme Swann. The BCCI has invited fresh applications for the head coach position, with a deadline set for May 27 as Rahul Dravid is unlikely to continue after the T20 World Cup. "For a nation like India, because of the IPL and the fact the players don't play other leagues, people are based in India whole year round. You don't need split (separate) coaches," Swann replied to a PTI at the launch of the Legends Intercontinental T20 league here on Thursday.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who is currently with the Kolkata Knight Riders as team mentor, has emerged as the front runner to succeed Dravid as the likes of reputed overseas coaches like Australians Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer and Zimbabwean Andy Flower have ruled themselves out of contention.

England have adopted split coaching with Brendon McCullum serving as the red-ball coach while Matthew Mott presides over white-ball formats.

South Africa (Shukri Conrad and Rob Walter) and Pakistan (Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie) also have separate coaches for limited overs and red ball cricket.

"In England, we have three teams that go all around the world cause our summer is in a different time, that's one of the main reasons that split coaches in England. You don't need it in India," the 45-year off spinner, who has played 60 Tests, 79 ODIs, and 39 T20Is for England between 2000-2013.

"A good coach is a good coach, he's the right man for all three forms so be it. If the guy is specialist in white ball cricket and he's available then you can use him," Swann