Rediff

Auckland, Jul 23: Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe has laughed off suggestions that he could be one of the candidates to succeed Greg Chappell as the next cricket coach of India.

Crowe said he was surprised to find his name included on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's short-list of candidates for the position as reported in Indian media a few days back.

Crowe said he was not ruling out coaching the Indian team at a later date but at present he was not intending to pursue the matter.

"One can never count out the possibility of consulting for anyone in the future. I back my knowledge and ability to impart it," he was quoted as saying in the New Zealand media.

South African Dave Nosworthy, who is working with New Zealand 'A' team, had also pleaded ignorance about his application to BCCI for the job.

"I haven't heard anything from anyone but I do have a representative in London [Images] who looks after these things for me, and acts on my behalf - that's how I got the Canterbury job. Right now I'm just enjoying my time with Canterbury and NZC. It's news to me that people are talking about me in India," he had said.

India is without a full time coach after Chappell did not renew his contract with BCCI following their disastrous World Cup in March.

The BCCI, which ignored Australian Dav Whatmore's interest in the job, is looking for a right candidate to fill in Chappell's shoes after players' choice Graham Ford turned down the offer.