Azharuddin believes he can turn India’s fortunes around if he is given the chance to coach the national side

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has revealed that he would like to have the opportunity of coaching the national team someday, but only if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offer him the chance to do so.

Azharuddin believes he his experience as an international cricketer would allow him to help the younger players in the side.

“Whatever little cricket I have played, I have learnt a lot and I would like to impart those skills to young players,” he told PTI. “It is up to the board (BCCI) to use me in the best way. I would certainly like to be involved with Indian cricket.

“It is the board’s prerogative to decide on that (coaching the Indian team), but I am available in any capacity for the benefit of Indian cricket.”

Azharuddin, who was banned from playing the sport for life in 2000 due to his role in a match-fixing scandal, recently had his life ban lifted by the Andhra Pradesh High Court after spending more than a decade appealing against his sentence.

Azharuddin noted that he was relieved the painful ordeal had finally come to an end.

“I am just happy to be cleared,” he said. “I now look forward to helping people as a cricketer and politician. I entered the field of politics to be able to do some good.”

The former India skipper, who is now a Congress MP, believes it is time to inject new life into the national team since they are going through a tough transition phase after losing two of their greatest players in Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

“The team needs some new blood,” Azharuddin added. “It is important that young players are given the chance to play. The IPL format has been good for the game in that sense, as it has thrown up some very good players.

“Being able to play across all formats requires a lot of skill and there are some very talented players coming up. It is time to inject them into the team.”