“I have had aspirations for a while to be a head coach”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former Australia pace bowler Craig McDermott has confirmed that he has put his name forward for the India head coach position.

McDermott is the latest high-profile candidate to apply for the post after former India opener Virender Sehwag and ex-Australia all-rounder Tom Moody.

Current India head coach Anil Kumble’s tenure will come to an end after the Champions Trophy later this month, but he will be reconsidered for the job again.

There were also reports of a rift between India captain Virat Kohli and Kumble, but on Saturday, Kohli refuted all the speculation, saying: “There are no problems whatsoever.”

Even though he will be up against some stiff competition, McDermott, who used to be Australia’s bowling coach from the 2013/14 Ashes to the World Twenty20 in India last year, admitted that he hopes to be given the opportunity to coach an international team.

“Yes, I have thrown my hat in the ring for India’s head coaching job,” McDermott told Sportstar. “I completed all the procedure on time, and the application was sent much earlier. I have had aspirations for a while to be a head coach.

“I was away from cricket coaching for a year, and now, I want to come back to it. I have also enjoyed my time in India, and it would be nice to serve Indian cricket.”

McDermott added that should he be appointed as India’s head coach, his experience as a player and bowling coach will help him deal with issues both on and off the field.

“I have handled many situations before. And I believe, as a head coach, your job is no longer restricted to just cricket,” he said. “Being a head coach is about managing the people and maintaining a good relation with the players and the captain.”