Graham Ford As India's Coach

Graham Ford, if appointed India's next coach, would be an ideal candidate to replace the hard-nosed Australian Greg Chappell, whose term was marked by controversies. Ford's record as South Africa's coach speaks for itself, with South Africa winning 9 out of 11 test series and 63% of their ODI's during his tenure as coach. His calm and composed demeanour, keen technical eye, willingness to spend time with players to iron out their technical flaws, his reputation being that of someone who prefers to stay and work in the background and let the players do the talking had earned him the tag of being a 'players' coach' during his stint as Natal's and South Africa's coach. Jonty Rhodes, Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener all hold him in high regard since he worked with them in the early to mid 90's while coaching Natal. All this is what Team India desperately needs, after being bruised and battered by the Chappell experience of the last two years. The fact that he has the backing of captain Rahul Dravid and most other players and also since John Emburey,the other contender,doesn't have very impressive coaching credentials should ensure that Ford gets the coaching job.