Virender Sehwag's childhood coach slams Skype interviewees for India coach

Sehwag and coach AN Sharma

Sehwag and coach AN Sharma

Former India opener Virender Sehwag's childhood coach Amar Nath Sharma slammed BCCI's decision to conduct interviews for coaches via Skype. Only Sehwag was present physically at the Wankhede Stadium's Cricket Centre in Mumbai for the interview. "This shows how serious they are. The BCCI should not have encouraged Skype interviews. When you are physically present you are tempted to ask more questions. Even Sachin Tendulkar (CAC member present via Skype) should have remained physically present," Sharma said from his Delhi academy.

Sharma vouched for Sehwag as Team India's next head coach. "I think India needs a coach of Sehwag's stature, one who can plan the team's strategy seriously against each opponent. Offense is the best defense," he added. Reportedly, Sehwag had sent a two-line resume to BCCI. "He was asked to expand his resume. He was serious in applying for the post. No cricketer would send his application if he is not interested in taking up the job," Sharma said.

"Sehwag has no coaching certificate, but is a mentor and coach for Kings XI Punjab. During my stint with him he was always asked to train young boys whenever he returned playing big matches for India. Level coaching certificates are not necessarily for coaching. Viru will call a spade a spade and Indian cricket will benefit if he gets the job," he said.