PTI

Dhaka, May 28: Outgoing Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore has once again expressed his interest in coaching India, describing it as a challenging assignment.

"My contract with Bangladesh cricket team ends on June 1. Then I need to recharge my batteries. You all know there may be another challenge not far away," Whatmore said referring to his ongoing negotiations with the BCCI.

"That will remain the decision of the employer," he hastened to add.

The BCCI's seven-member coach selection committee is scheduled to meet in Bangalore on June 4 to choose a new coach for the Indian team.

"And on the June 4 if they make a decision (in my favour) that's fair. If not, that's fine," he said.

Whatmore, speaking to newspersons after his side stumbled to a huge innings defeat against India, said that the margin was 'too hard to scale'.

He praised vice captain Mohammad Ashraful's blitz knock of 67, saying, "It had a touch of brilliance, though being more akin to one-day cricket. But he is a very, very good player. It was a good knock."

Whatmore, who coached Bangladesh to World Cup triumphs against India and South Africa, said the team still had a long way to go.

"How we will become more competitive in the longer term, that needs clear thinking. But we certainly need to play more than what we do.

Whamore said Bangladesh recorded several encouraging performances under his guidance.

"Now we can really play strong teams. On our day we can really push even Australia. We had a very good four days against them," he said.

He described Habibul Bashar as the best player in the Bangladesh's cricketing history.

Whatmore said he was taking with him fond memories of coaching Bangladesh.

"There were a lot of interesting things on the way. We beat some of the big teams. Progressing in the World Cup was a big effort," he said.

Whatmore felt that he would have loved it if some of the individuals had become better players.

"I would have loved Ashraful to develop more in the four years. His best cricket is surely yet to come. And his consistency will improve as he gets older. But not quite the way I would have loved him to be. He is a terrific talent," he added.